Tokyo, Aug 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A moderate earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale struck off the Pacific coast of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan on Saturday, prompting tremors across the region but causing no immediate reports of major damage or casualties.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake occurred at 11:48 a.m. local time at a depth of 80 kilometres beneath the seabed. The tremor registered a maximum intensity of 4 on Japan’s seven-point seismic intensity scale.
The agency said the epicentre was located off the Pacific coast of Aomori at approximately 41.3 degrees north latitude and 142.0 degrees east longitude. Authorities confirmed that no tsunami advisory or warning was issued following the quake.
The latest tremor comes just days after a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, causing extensive destruction and loss of life. The earlier quake, which registered the maximum intensity of 7 on Japan’s seismic scale in the worst-hit areas, has claimed 35 lives, according to the latest figures released by the prefectural government on Friday.
Officials said the death toll includes cases still under investigation to determine whether the fatalities were directly linked to the earthquake.
Large parts of Kumamoto continue to grapple with damaged infrastructure, including cracked roads, disrupted traffic signals and fuel shortages. Reports from affected areas indicated long queues at petrol stations, with many residents choosing to spend the night in their vehicles.
Evacuation centres remain operational across the region. In Uki City, nearly 500 people, including elderly residents and children, were sheltering at a civic facility converted into an emergency relief centre, where portable sanitation facilities and essential supplies have been arranged.
FOLLOW NOW
