Strong earthquake rocks Japan, injures several; alert issued

News Topical, Digital Desk : A strong earthquake struck western Japan on Tuesday morning, injuring several people. The quake measured 6.4 magnitude. The most affected areas were Shimane and Tottori prefectures. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency ( JMA) , strong tremors were felt in some areas after the quake.

The quake struck at 10:18 a.m. (local time) in eastern Shimane Prefecture. Its depth was about 10 kilometers. The Japan Earthquake Scale measured a 5 out of a maximum of 7 on the quake's intensity scale. The epicenter was located at 35.3 degrees north latitude and 133.2 degrees east longitude.

Two aftershocks after the earthquake, damage in many places

Following the main quake, two more aftershocks struck the same area. The first tremor, with a magnitude of 5.1, occurred at 10:28 a.m., while the second tremor, with a magnitude of 5.4, was felt at 10:37 a.m., according to the JMA .

In Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, four people were hospitalized after falling and other injuries during the quake. Several homes in the city suffered roof damage, Japan's public broadcaster NHK reported. There were reports of cracks in roads in Sakaiminato City, in neighboring Tottori Prefecture.

impact in other areas as well

Two people were also injured in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, south of the epicenter. Local authorities are monitoring the situation. The JMA later raised the quake's magnitude to 6.4 from 6.2. Long-period ground motions of up to 4 were recorded in western Tottori Prefecture, according to the agency.

Long-period ground motion refers to seismic tremors that are slow but last for a long time, causing strong shaking, especially on the upper floors of tall buildings.

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