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Strong, Shallow Quake Shakes Japan’s Shimane Prefecture as JMA Warns of Aftershocks

Authorities now focus on a weeklong window of elevated aftershock risk following inspections that cleared energy facilities.

Overview

  • The Japan Meteorological Agency measured the main shock at magnitude 6.2 and about 10 km deep with maximum shaking of upper‑5, while the USGS estimated roughly M5.7–5.8.
  • Aftershocks included magnitude 5.1 and 5.4 within minutes, and officials cautioned that quakes strong enough to reach upper‑5 intensity remain possible for a week, with the highest likelihood in the next two to three days.
  • No tsunami warning was issued, and the strongest shaking was recorded in parts of Shimane and neighboring Tottori, with milder tremors felt across western Japan including Okayama, Hiroshima, Kagawa and Ehime.
  • Local agencies reported several minor injuries and localized damage such as collapsed stone walls, roof damage and toppled gravestones, with no reports of widespread destruction.
  • The Shimane nuclear power station visibly shook but operators and regulators reported no abnormalities, and West Japan Railway temporarily suspended Shinkansen service between Shin‑Osaka and Hakata.