Magnitude 6.1 earthquake shakes northeastern Japan, no tsunami threat

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.1 shook northeastern Japan early Sunday, prompting a swift response from the Japan Meteorological Agency. The tremor's focus was located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Iwate Prefecture at a depth of approximately 40 kilometers.

The quake registered a lower 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale of 7, impacting parts of Aomori and Iwate prefectures. Fortunately, the Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that the earthquake posed no threat of a tsunami. This is a critical reassurance for coastal communities in the region.

Authorities quickly assessed the safety of critical infrastructure. Tohoku Electric Power Co. reported no abnormalities at the Higashidori nuclear power plant in Aomori or the Onagawa nuclear power complex in Miyagi Prefecture. Similarly, Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. confirmed that a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, also experienced no issues.

This seismic event follows a recent M7.2 earthquake that struck the same region just days prior, which injured at least 10 people and caused temporary disruptions. The Japan Meteorological Agency had urged the public to remain alert for further seismic activity of similar intensity in the week following Thursday's quake.