A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck off the coast of western Japan this morning, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), though no tsunami warning was issued.
The tremor occurred at 10.18am local time in Shimane prefecture. Authorities said there were no immediate reports of major damage.
The US Geological Survey recorded the quake at a slightly lower magnitude of 5.8.
In the western city of Yasugi, the quake registered an upper five on Japan’s Shindo seismic intensity scale, indicating strong shaking that can cause heavy furniture to topple and make driving difficult.
The JMA said the region was later hit by several smaller aftershocks, measuring 4.5, 5.1, 3.8 and 5.4 in magnitude. No tsunami alerts were issued following any of the tremors.
Japan lies along the western edge of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where four major tectonic plates meet, making it one of the most seismically active countries in the world.
The country experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually. Most are minor, though their impact depends largely on their depth and proximity to populated areas.
