Japan hit by 6.1-magnitude earthquake days after strong Iwate tremor, no tsunami threat

A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck off the coast of Japan's Iwate Prefecture early on Sunday, prompting fresh warnings for residents already coping with a series of recent tremors in the region.Authorities said there was no risk of a tsunami and no immediate reports of damage or casualties.According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake occurred at 5:21 am local time at a depth of 41 kilometres. It registered a maximum seismic intensity of lower 5 (5-) in Hachinohe City in Aomori Prefecture and Fudai Village in Iwate Prefecture, while shaking of varying intensity was felt from Hokkaido to the Kanto-Koshin region.The JMA said the quake was caused by a reverse fault with a pressure axis running west-northwest to east-southeast.No additional earthquakes measuring intensity 1 or above had been recorded by 7 am local time, according to news agency ANI.Fresh tremor follows powerful quake earlier this weekThe latest earthquake struck in the same offshore Iwate area where a stronger earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 6+ occurred on June 25, the JMA said.Authorities have already warned that the affected region could experience earthquakes of up to intensity 6+ for about a week following that earlier event.The agency also cautioned that areas shaken by the recent earthquakes face an increased risk of rockfalls and landslides, urging residents to remain vigilant.It clarified that Sunday's earthquake does not meet the criteria for issuing a warning about a subsequent major earthquake off the coast of Hokkaido and the Sanriku region.According to AP, northeastern Japan has witnessed a series of significant earthquakes in recent days, including a magnitude 7.2 quake on Thursday in the same general area.The news agency reported that concerns have grown over potential mudslides as the country enters typhoon season.PM says no tsunami risk, government monitoring situationJapanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said there was "no concern for a tsunami" and confirmed that the government was continuing its response through the crisis management office established after the June 25 earthquake."In this region, earthquakes have been continuing, and on the 25th, an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 6-upper occurred," Takaichi said in a post on X, adding that she had instructed officials to assess any damage, provide timely and accurate information, and take all necessary response measures.She also urged residents in the affected areas to remain alert as the series of earthquakes continues.Japan sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and is among the world's most earthquake-prone countries.Earlier this week, another strong earthquake struck west of Tokyo, prompting the government to activate a task force and assess damage.Catch the latest world news and top headlines. Download the TOI App.