Japan marked the final hours of the year with a strong earthquake off its eastern coast. The tremor struck late on New Year’s Eve, causing concern but no immediate reports of damage.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the quake at magnitude 6.0. It occurred about 91 kilometres east of Noda city. The earthquake originated at a depth of 19.3 kilometres, which reduced the surface impact.
Authorities did not issue any immediate evacuation warnings. No casualties or damage were reported at the time of writing.
Japan Earthquake: Where Did the Earthquake Hit?
According to seismic data, the earthquake’s epicentre lay offshore in the Pacific Ocean. The exact coordinates were 40.112°N, 142.889°E.
The offshore location helped limit damage. However, residents in nearby coastal areas reported feeling strong shaking. Japan’s emergency agencies closely monitored the situation through the night.
Despite the strength of the tremor, officials did not issue a tsunami warning. Seismologists assessed the wave risk soon after the quake struck. Japan’s disaster response systems remain on high alert during seismic events. The country relies on one of the world’s most advanced earthquake monitoring networks.
Recent Earthquakes Raise Concerns
The New Year’s Eve earthquake came after a series of strong tremors in Japan this month. On December 12, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck off the coast near Iwate prefecture. That quake prompted the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a tsunami advisory.
Just days earlier, on December 8, a powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake rattled northern Japan. That tremor triggered a tsunami of up to 50 centimetres along parts of the Pacific coast.
The tsunami affected areas in Hokkaido and Aomori prefecture. Officials reported injuries in some coastal communities.
Earthquake Also Hits Tibet on New Year’s Eve
Earlier on the same day, a separate earthquake struck Tibet. The National Center for Seismology recorded the tremor at a magnitude of 3.4. The quake hit at 3:26 pm IST at a depth of 10 kilometres. There were no reports of damage or injuries from that event.
Japan ranks among the world’s most earthquake-prone nations. The reason lies beneath its geography. The country sits at the meeting point of four major tectonic plates. It lies along the western edge of the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a zone known for intense seismic activity.
As these plates move and collide, stress builds up underground. When that stress is released, earthquakes occur.
How Often Do Earthquakes Hit Japan?
Japan experiences around 1,500 earthquakes every year. Most are small and go unnoticed. Some, however, are strong enough to cause damage. The impact of a quake depends on its depth, location, and distance from populated areas. Shallow quakes usually cause more damage than deeper ones.
Strict building laws and regular disaster drills help Japan limit casualties. Early warning systems also give residents precious seconds to react. Experts say preparedness remains the country’s strongest defence against earthquakes.
As seismic activity continues, authorities urge residents to stay alert and follow safety guidelines.
