Magnitude 6.2 earthquake jolts northern Japan

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido early on Monday morning, rattling residents but causing no reported casualties or significant damage. The tremor, which occurred at approximately 5:23 a.m. local time, was centered about 18 kilometers west of the town of Sarabetsu at a depth of roughly 81 to 83 kilometers.

While the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) initially estimated the magnitude at 6.1, it was later revised to 6.2, and seismic intensity reached "upper 5" on the Japanese scale in parts of the Tokachi region. The JMA confirmed that no tsunami advisory was issued following the quake.

Although the event caused some local concern, authorities noted that there were no abnormalities observed at the Tomari nuclear power plant, and while some local train services in Hokkaido along the Pacific Ocean were temporarily suspended, the Hokkaido Shinkansen bullet trains continued to operate as usual. Despite the lack of immediate damage, officials have cautioned residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant, as the danger of falling rocks and landslides may have increased due to the strong shaking.