Two Small Quakes Hit Eastern Japan; Earlier 9.9 Magnitude Warning Cancelled
Two 4.8‑magnitude earthquakes struck Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures early Thursday, while a false 9.9‑magnitude alert near the Kuril Islands was quickly withdrawn.
Key points
- First quake: 4.8 magnitude, 50 km depth, Chiba prefecture
- Second quake: 4.8 magnitude, Ibaraki prefecture
- No tsunami threat reported
- Japan Meteorological Agency cancelled 9.9‑magnitude warning minutes after issuance
- Mount Tokachi in Hokkaido saw increased volcanic activity on Oct. 7
Early Thursday, two earthquakes struck eastern Japan within three hours, shaking parts of Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures, with no tsunami threat.
The first quake registered a magnitude of 4.8 in Chiba prefecture at a depth of 50 kilometers.
The second quake affected Ibaraki prefecture.
Earlier on Friday, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued an emergency warning after automated data suggested a magnitude 9.9 earthquake near the Kuril Islands.
The warning was withdrawn minutes later, and no strong shaking was reported across northern, eastern and central Japan.
The agency quickly cancelled the alert.
On October 7, monitoring agencies noted an increase in volcanic earthquakes and tremors at Mount Tokachi in Hokkaido.
Your questions, answered
What caused the false 9.9 magnitude warning?
Automated data suggested a 9.9 magnitude earthquake near the Kuril Islands, but the warning was withdrawn after no strong shaking was reported.
Did the earthquakes trigger a tsunami?
No tsunami threat was reported for the 4.8 magnitude quakes in Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures.
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