A new magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck on Wednesday night, at around 11:14 PM (local time) off the western coast of Shikoku Island, Japan. Despite its intensity, both media and authorities have stated there was no tsunami threat. However, following the 6.4 earthquake, several aftershocks have occurred throughout the night, prompting authorities to advise the population to remain vigilant in case any surpass the initial quake in strength, potentially causing damage to buildings and residences.
Japan.
Earthquake 6.3 pic.twitter.com/EegdDhANYu— Budi santoso (@Budisan47210021) April 17, 2024
So far, the toll remains clear, as there have been no reports of structural damage, injuries, or casualties. No anomalies were detected at the Ikata nuclear power plant operated by Shikoku Electric Power, located in Ehime Prefecture, very close to the earthquake’s epicenter. The epicenter was in the Bungo Channel, a strait separating Kyushu and Shikoku islands.
Two Strong Earthquakes in Japan in 2024
This marks the second significant earthquake in Japan in 2024. Let’s recall that just this past January 1st, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Fukushima, Japan, leaving at least 50 people dead and causing severe damage to buildings and residences.
A magnitude 6.6 earthquake hit western Japan on Wednesday night. Officials say there was no tsunami. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa says several people were taken to hospital with minor injuries. https://t.co/bZpiKm94yl pic.twitter.com/uG7LuzfhdJ
— NHK WORLD News (@NHKWORLD_News) April 17, 2024
Now, with the 6.4 magnitude earthquake, there have been two strong earthquakes in the year, surprising not only the inhabitants of the affected areas but also the entire world. Strong earthquakes have occurred in different countries, albeit with little time difference, though they are common in the Asian country due to their location on the so-called Ring of Fire.
Fortunately, this time there were no damages or casualties to mourn, and everything remains calm on Shikoku Island, despite the aftershocks that have occurred, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of 5.
This story was written in Spanish by Lizbeth Garcia in Cultura Colectiva News.
