Powerful Earthquake Rattles Japan's Akusekijima

2025-07-03 07:10:47

(MENAFN) A powerful earthquake, registering an initial magnitude of 5.5, hit Akusekijima, part of Toshima village in Japan's Kagoshima Prefecture, on Thursday afternoon, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The quake struck at 4:13 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 20 kilometers below the earth's surface. The tremor’s coordinates were pinpointed at a latitude of 29.3 degrees north and a longitude of 129.5 degrees east.

In Akusekijima, the seismic impact reached a significant 6-lower on Japan's 7-point intensity scale. Meanwhile, nearby Kodakarajima experienced a 3 on the scale, with tremors of varying strengths (2 or 1) felt across a larger region.

Seismic activity has been particularly intense in the Tokara Islands since June 21, with numerous quakes measuring up to intensity 5-lower. This latest surge in earthquakes has far exceeded typical seismic events in the area.

Remarkably, this is the first time in history that Toshima village has recorded a seismic intensity of 6-lower, dating back to the beginning of official records in 1919. The JMA has issued a warning about the possibility of additional strong quakes, potentially reaching intensity 5-upper, in the coming days.

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