6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Japan’s Chugoku Region

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake occurred in Shimane Prefecture, Chugoku, impacting Matsue and Yasugi cities, as well as some areas of Tottori Prefecture. The quake led to minor damage to some buildings and injuries to three people, but there were no initial reports of deaths. Rail services on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Hiroshima and Okayama stations were halted due to a power outage following the quake but were later resumed. The initial earthquake was followed by 12 aftershocks. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned that earthquakes of magnitude five or higher could occur over the next week. The agency also advised people in tall buildings or on large bridges to remain vigilant for long-period ground motion that could cause high-rise buildings to sway.