Magnitude 4.9 Quake Off Fukushima, No Tsunami Warning Issued

FUKUSHIMA, Oct 07 (News On Japan) - A magnitude 4.9 earthquake occurred off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture around 9:30 a.m. on October 7th, registering a maximum intensity of 4 on the Japanese seismic scale. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, there is no risk of a tsunami caused by this tremor.

The quake struck at a depth of about 50 kilometers beneath the seabed off Fukushima, with strong shaking recorded in the towns of Futaba and Namie, both registering an intensity of 4. Areas across Fukushima and Miyagi Prefectures also experienced intensity-3 shaking. Reports collected by Weathernews described the tremor as a sudden jolt that felt like being pushed upward, particularly near the epicenter.

Just two days earlier, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake had occurred in nearly the same area off the coast of Fukushima in the early hours of October 5th, also recording a maximum intensity of 4. This latest quake originated slightly west of that epicenter, and while smaller in scale, it was located slightly closer to land, resulting in similar shaking levels.

The region off Fukushima is known for frequent seismic activity, as the Pacific Plate continues to subduct beneath the continental plate along the Japan Trench. Earthquakes of magnitudes between 5 and 6 occur relatively often in this zone. Experts warn that residents should remain alert for future tremors and continue taking precautions against strong quakes.

According to Weathernews, the area has seen repeated quakes at depths around 50 kilometers, consistent with the current event, reflecting the area’s geological instability. Residents are advised to stay informed through the latest updates from official weather and disaster information sources.

Source: ウェザーニュース

Typhoon No. 22 (Halong) Pounds Izu Islands Triggering Emergency Alerts

A special heavy rain warning was issued for Hachijo Town on October 9 as Typhoon No. 22, classified as a very strong system, brought record-breaking rainfall and violent winds to the Izu Islands. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has also issued special warnings for storm-force winds and high waves across the region, urging residents to remain on maximum alert. Footage captured shortly before 6:30 a.m. by a camera installed in Hachijo Town showed a utility pole tilting and eventually collapsing under the severe conditions. Authorities said a linear rainband has been repeatedly forming over the area since early morning.

Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) Approaching South of Japan Over Holiday Weekend

As of 9 a.m. on October 9, Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) was moving quickly northwest over waters south of Japan and is expected to influence weather conditions over the upcoming three-day holiday weekend. The typhoon is forecast to strengthen slightly as it approaches the Okinawa and Amami regions between October 10 and 11. Afterward, it is expected to curve northward, moving off the coast of Kyushu on October 12 and reaching waters south of Japan’s main islands by October 13.

Japanese Teachers Still Work World’s Longest Hours

Elementary and junior high school teachers in Japan still work the longest hours among their peers worldwide, according to an OECD report released on Tuesday. While the 2024 results by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development showed working hours had fallen by around four hours per week compared with the previous survey in 2018, Japan’s teachers still far exceeded their global counterparts.

Beer Shortages Hit Japan's Izakayas

Beer deliveries from Asahi Group Holdings have been disrupted following a ransomware cyberattack, causing shortages that have already begun to affect izakaya and other establishments across Japan. Some bars have reported their beer stock falling to “only one left” as supply chain delays ripple through the industry.

Magnitude 4.9 Quake Off Fukushima, No Tsunami Warning Issued

A magnitude 4.9 earthquake occurred off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture around 9:30 a.m. on October 7th, registering a maximum intensity of 4 on the Japanese seismic scale. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, there is no risk of a tsunami caused by this tremor.

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