6.2 magnitude earthquake strikes northern Japan at 81 km depth; no tsunami warning issued

Tokyo: A moderate earthquake measuring around 6.2 magnitude struck northern Japan early on Monday, though there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that no tsunami warning or advisory was issued following the tremor.

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 81 kilometres, with its epicentre located about 18 kilometres west of the small town of Sarabetsu on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island. The agency recorded the quake at a slightly lower magnitude of 6.1.

The incident comes just a week after a far stronger 7.7 magnitude earthquake led Japanese authorities to issue an advisory warning of a marginally increased risk of a potential megaquake along the country’s north-eastern coastline.