Strong M6.7 earthquake hits near the east coast of Honshu, Japan
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.7 hit near the east coast of Honshu, Japan at 11:22 UTC (20:22 LT) on May 15, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 44 km (27 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.7 at a depth of 40 km (25 miles).
Epicenter of M6.7 earthquake near east coast of Honshu, Japan on May 15, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 49 km (31 miles) ESE of Ōfunato (population 35 452), 52 km (32 miles) SE of Kamaishi (population 43 107), 59 km (37 miles) SSE of Ōtsuchi (population 11 572), 67 km (42 miles) SSE of Yamada (population 15 195), and 129 km (80 miles) SE of Morioka (population 290 700), Iwate, Japan.
1 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 849 000 moderate, 5 750 000 light and 364 000 weak.
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), there is no tsunami threat from this event.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides and fires that might have contributed to losses.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.7 earthquake near east coast of Honshu, Japan – USGS – May 15, 2026
2 M6.7 earthquake near east coast of Honshu, Japan – EMSC – May 15, 2026
3 M6.7 earthquake near east coast of Honshu, Japan – PTWC – May 15, 2026
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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