Early Monday morning, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Hiroo, located in southeastern Hokkaido, Japan, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s epicenter was about 64 kilometers south-southeast of Hiroo in the Pacific Ocean, at a depth of roughly 27 kilometers. The USGS categorized the event as minor, issuing a “green alert” which signals a low likelihood of casualties or significant economic damage.
No tsunami warnings were issued, and Japanese officials confirmed there were no notable changes in sea levels. Despite concerns about possible landslides or structural damage, initial reports found no such problems.
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This quake followed a 6.1-magnitude tremor near Kushiro on Sunday night, which also caused no injuries or damage but unsettled many residents. Experts suspect that the Kushiro tremor might have been a foreshock to Monday’s event.
The shaking from Monday’s quake was described as weak to light and was felt by nearly two million people in the surrounding regions. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) advised residents to stay vigilant for any aftershocks. A local from Hiroo shared on social media that the tremors lasted longer and felt stronger than expected, expressing concern about further seismic activity and hoping the pressure would release gradually.
Japan, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences earthquakes. Buildings in Hokkaido are generally designed to withstand such events, although some older or less reinforced structures remain vulnerable. Authorities have encouraged the public to review their emergency plans, but daily life in Hiroo and Kushiro has mostly returned to normal following the quake.
