01 August,2026 11:38 AM IST | Tokyo | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/AFP
A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the Pacific coast of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan on Saturday morning, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). No tsunami warning or advisory was issued following the tremor, and there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties.
The earthquake occurred at 11:48 a.m. local time at a depth of 80 kilometres beneath the seabed off Aomori's Pacific coast. The JMA said the quake registered 4 on Japan's seismic intensity scale of 7, indicating strong shaking that can be felt indoors but is generally not associated with widespread structural damage.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicentre of the earthquake was located at 41.3 degrees north latitude and 142.0 degrees east longitude.
Authorities continued to monitor the situation after the tremor, but no tsunami advisory was issued as the quake did not pose a significant threat of sea-level changes.
Japan, which lies along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences thousands of earthquakes every year. Most are minor, but the country maintains one of the world's most advanced earthquake monitoring and early warning systems due to its high level of seismic activity.
As of Saturday afternoon, officials had not reported any significant damage to infrastructure or injuries linked to the earthquake in Aomori Prefecture.
Local authorities were assessing the situation while emergency services remained on alert in case of aftershocks or any delayed reports of damage.
The JMA regularly advises residents to remain cautious following moderate earthquakes, as aftershocks can occur in the hours or days that follow.
The latest earthquake comes just days after a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, causing extensive destruction and loss of life.
The earlier quake, which occurred at around 4:27 p.m. local time, registered the maximum intensity of 7 on Japan's seismic scale in the worst-hit areas, making it one of the strongest earthquakes to affect the region in recent years.
On Friday, Kumamoto Prefecture officials confirmed that the death toll from that disaster had risen to 35.
Authorities said the figure includes people whose deaths are still being examined to determine whether they were directly linked to the earthquake.
Rescue and relief operations remain underway across Kumamoto Prefecture, where widespread damage has disrupted transportation and essential services.
According to reports from Xinhua, roads in several affected areas were buckled and cracked, while damaged traffic signals created additional challenges for emergency responders and residents. Long queues formed outside fuel stations as many people stocked up on supplies, with some planning to spend the night in their vehicles.
In Uki City's Ogawa district, a civic activity centre has been converted into an evacuation shelter housing nearly 500 displaced residents, including many elderly people and children.
Families were seen resting on the floor with backpacks, clothing and emergency supplies, while portable toilets and other temporary facilities were installed outside to support those displaced by the disaster.
Japanese authorities continue to monitor seismic activity across the country while urging residents to remain prepared for possible aftershocks and to follow official safety advisories.
(With inputs from IANS)
