Tokyo: A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan on Thursday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
The earthquake occurred off the eastern coast of Iwate Prefecture at a depth of around 50 kilometres. The JMA upgraded the quake’s magnitude from an initial estimate of 6.9 to 7.2.
Despite the strong tremor, authorities confirmed that there is no tsunami threat and no tsunami warning has been issued.
The region has experienced a series of strong earthquakes in recent months, including one in December that prompted a week-long megaquake caution advisory.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) measured the earthquake at a magnitude of 6.9. Authorities are monitoring the situation, and there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties.
