A series of earthquakes struck Shimane and Tottori prefectures in Japan on Tuesday morning, starting with a 6.2 magnitude tremor at 10:18 a.m., reaching level 5 on the Japanese intensity scale. Four individuals were hospitalized, and some buildings suffered damage, although no official assessments have been released yet.
The initial quake’s epicenter was in eastern Shimane at a shallow depth of 10 km, prompting emergency alerts across western Japan. Secondary quakes followed, including a magnitude 5.1 tremor. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that further earthquakes of magnitude 5 or higher could occur, advising caution, especially in tall buildings.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the government is evaluating damage and urged locals to prepare for aftershocks. Nuclear facilities have reportedly remained unaffected. JR West temporarily suspended Sanyo Shinkansen operations due to power outages but resumed service by early afternoon.
This quake is the strongest in Japan so far this year, following significant earthquakes in recent months that caused notable casualties and destruction.
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