Society

Japan earthquake M6 hits off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, Honshu

Oct 06 (NDNews Weather) - A strong earthquake registered by the JMA as M6.0 hit off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, Honshu, Japan at 17,46 UTC on October 5, 2021, at a depth of 50 km (31 miles).

USGS is reporting it as M5.4 at a depth of 54 km (33 miles).

The epicenter was located about 54 km (33 miles) of Miyako (population 51721) and 77 km (48 miles) of Hachinohe (population 239046), Japan.

There are 790000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

74000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.

The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides and fires that might have contributed to losses.

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