5.8 magnitude earthquake strikes off Fukushima Coast
An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 on the Richter scale jolted eastern Japan on Friday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, as reported by Reuters. The quake's epicentre was pinpointed off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture, where significant tremors were felt. No tsunami warning was issued, the agency confirmed.
6:49 AM EDT, March 15, 2024
A significant undersea earthquake, measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale, struck near the Fukushima coast in Japan just after midnight on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 10:14 PM Eastern Time.
This earthquake had a relatively shallow depth of 33 miles, causing it to be felt broadly across the area. Because of its shallow nature, the quake's tremors were more intense near the epicentre compared to a deeper seismic event of similar magnitude.
The precise magnitude, epicentre, and depth of the earthquake might be confirmed in the coming hours as seismologists analyze the data further or when additional reports are issued.
Initial seismic data indicates the earthquake was likely felt by many people within the epicentre area, likely causing minimal damage, such as items tumbling from shelves or windows breaking.
Earthquake in Japan impacts nuclear power plant operations
As stated by PAP, following the earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale off Fukushima Prefecture's coast, the operator of the impaired Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in northeastern Japan announced it has temporarily halted the discharge of purified water into the ocean as a precautionary measure.
On the Japanese seismic intensity scale, an earthquake measuring 5 on the Richter scale can cause: the tilting of power poles, cracking or dislodging of windows, the collapse of unreinforced cinderblock walls, and some road damage.
