Two Earthquakes Strike Japan In Short Succession: What to...

By Hollie Silverman and John FengShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member

Two strong earthquakes struck Japan Tuesday at magnitudes of 5.4 and 4.7, according to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The first quake struck in the Pacific Ocean about 80 miles east-southeast from Kitaibaraki at a depth of around 6 miles, 10 km, the data shows. Kitaibaraki is about 110 miles northeast of Tokyo.

A little over an hour later, a second, stronger earthquake struck about 8 miles north of Aso. The second earthquake measured at a magnitude of 5.4, considered a strong earthquake.

The second quake hit at a shallow depth of about 6 miles, or 10 km, meaning that shaking would be felt strongly on the surface.

While the quakes occurred near densely populated areas, no significant damage or tsunami risk was reported.

Why It Matters

Japan experienced two earthquakes within an hour of each other Tuesday, highlighting the nation’s vulnerability and preparedness as a country situated along the seismically active Pacific "Ring of Fire."

With Japan’s history of catastrophic earthquakes and sophisticated warning systems, these recent tremors serve as a reminder of continued vigilance and ongoing seismic risk management in one of the world’s most earthquake-prone regions.

What To Know

The USGS reported that two separate earthquakes struck off Japan's northeastern coast within about an hour of each other.

The first earthquake registered a magnitude 4.7 in the Pacific Ocean. It struck about 80 miles east-southeast from Kitaibaraki, the USGS map shows.

A second earthquake struck about 8 miles north of Aso on land, over 750 miles southwest of the first earthquake, USGS data shows.

No immediate reports of damage or tsunami warnings have been issued following either quake.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) rated the second earthquake in Aso as a medium earthquake on its website.

Both earthquakes were part of ongoing seismic activity in the region. According to earthquaketrack.com, Japan experienced three earthquakes in the past 24 hours, 10 earthquakes in the past week, 92 in the past month, and 661 in the past year.

This illustrates the ongoing seismic shifts Japan endures as part of its geological environment.

Japan employs some of the world’s most advanced early warning systems and strict building codes, minimizing casualties and property damage in most cases.

The nation’s preparedness has increased following devastating historic events, most notably the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

Where Were the Epicenters of the Japan Earthquakes?

The epicenter for the first quake was offshore, in the Pacific Ocean, about 80 miles east-southeast of Kitaibaraki.

The second earthquake's epicenter was registered about 8 miles north of Aso, which is over 750 miles southwest of the first earthquake.

What Was the Strongest Earthquake Ever Recorded?

The strongest earthquake ever documented was the 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile, registering a magnitude of 9.5.

However, for duration, the December 26, 2004, undersea earthquake off Sumatra, Indonesia, was notable for lasting nearly 10 minutes and measured between 9.1 and 9.3 in magnitude.

It unleashed a catastrophic tsunami across the Indian Ocean, affecting 14 countries and resulting in about 227,000 deaths. This event remains one of the deadliest natural disasters on record and prompted global efforts to enhance tsunami warning systems.

What was the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami?

The March 11, 2011, Tohoku earthquake in Japan was a magnitude 9.0 event and is considered one of the most devastating earthquakes in the nation's history.

The quake triggered a powerful tsunami that led to extensive destruction in northeastern Japan and a nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.

The disaster claimed more than 15,000 lives, displaced hundreds of thousands, and reshaped Japan's disaster response policies. The event served as a watershed moment for the evolution of seismic monitoring and building standards in Japan.

Was there an Earthquake in New Hampshire on Tuesday?

No significant earthquake activity was reported in New Hampshire on Tuesday.

There were no USGS seismic records indicating an event in that region on the day of the Japanese earthquakes.

What People Are Saying

United States Geological Survey (USGS) website says: "Most earthquakes and volcanic eruptions do not strike randomly but occur in specific areas, such as along plate boundaries. One such area is the circum-Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Pacific Plate meets many surrounding tectonic plates. The Ring of Fire is the most seismically and volcanically active zone in the world."

What Happens Next

Authorities in Japan and international earthquake monitoring agencies will continue to monitor seismic activity in the affected regions.

The incident reinforces the importance of public safety, real-time communication, and ongoing investment in early-warning and disaster response systems.

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