BREAKING

Magnitude 6.6 earthquake strikes south of Japan's Izu Islands

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
5 Oct 2023 10:22

Following a magnitude 6.6 earthquake that struck Japan's Izu island chain, a tsunami advisory has been issued.

A digital picture demonstrating tsunami warnings, following the 6.6 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan's Izu Islands. (Japan Meteorological Agency)

A 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck south of Japan's Izu Islands during the early hours of Thursday, triggering a tsunami warning issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The earthquake occurred at 11:00 a.m. local time (02:00 GMT) near Tori-shima island, situated to the south of Japan's Izu Islands. The epicenter of the earthquake was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

Meteorologists anticipated tsunami waves reaching up to 1 meter high (3.3 feet) and cautioned that even such relatively modest waves could pose a threat to individuals.

Japan's Izu Islands are under a tsunami advisory after a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck nearby in the Pacific Ocean.https://t.co/tTHDV5VtMV
— NHK WORLD News (@NHKWORLD_News) October 5, 2023

Residents were strongly advised to stay away from the shoreline, and those in proximity to the sea were urged to seek higher ground and alert their friends and family if they were in the affected area.

There is now a tsunami threat in Japan! in images after strong earthquake! pic.twitter.com/lAozIGHQfi
— Spectral News (@spectral_news) October 5, 2023

The initial tsunami wave was anticipated to approach the island's coast between 11:30 am and 12:00 pm local time. Subsequently, the tsunami warning has been lifted.

Japanese broadcaster NHK interrupted regular programming to provide updates from the affected islands.

The Japan Meteorological Agency cautioned of potential aftershocks, stating that there was a likelihood of another earthquake of a similar magnitude occurring in the region. The agency urged the public to remain vigilant over the next couple of days.