The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported a magnitude 6 earthquake off Honshu, Japan’s east coast.
The quake was 32 km (19.88 miles) deep. Japan, known for its seismic activity, enforces stringent building codes to mitigate earthquake damage.
Annually, Japan experiences about 1,500 earthquakes, most of which are minor. This tectonic activity underscores the archipelago’s vulnerability, inhabited by approximately 125 million people.
In a related incident, Taiwan experienced a significant seismic event on Wednesday, with a 7.2 magnitude quake—the island’s most substantial in over two decades. This quake resulted in one fatality and numerous injuries and prompted tsunami warnings for southern Japan and the Philippines, which were subsequently withdrawn.
Taiwan’s fire department reported one fatality suspected from a rockfall in Hualien County, the quake’s epicentre, with over 50 injuries. The tremor led to the collapse of at least 26 structures, primarily in Hualien, trapping about 20 individuals, with rescue operations underway.
Television footage from Taiwan depicted buildings in Hualien tilting dangerously, a stark reminder of the quake’s force. During the morning commute, the quake struck near the shore around 8 am local time. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration recorded the quake’s depth at 15.5km (9.6 miles).
Read: Major 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Taiwan, Causes Tsunami Warning
