Strong earthquakes struck western Japan on Tuesday morning, disrupting daily life and causing several injuries. Moreover, strong earthquakes affected coastal and inland communities across Shimane and Tottori prefectures within minutes. As a result, emergency services activated response protocols while authorities monitored possible aftershocks carefully. Officials confirmed the earthquakes posed no tsunami risk for nearby coastal regions.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, three tremors occurred between approximately 10:18 a.m. and 10:37 a.m. The strongest quake initially reached upper 5 on Japan’s seven-level seismic intensity scale. The agency estimated the first tremor’s magnitude at 6.2 with a shallow depth of about ten kilometers. Shallow earthquakes often intensify surface shaking and increase the likelihood of injuries among residents.
Subsequently, a second quake struck Yasugi in Shimane Prefecture with lower 5 intensity. Minutes later, a third tremor registered intensity 4 in Yonago, Tottori Prefecture. Several other towns, including Hino, Kofu, and Hoki, reported strong shaking from the sequence. Consequently, residents experienced falling objects, cracked walls, and temporary service disruptions.
In Hoki town, a stone wall collapsed, raising concerns about aging structures in rural areas. Local fire departments responded to multiple injury reports linked to sudden falls. In Hiroshima’s Fukuyama city, shaking caused a woman in her nineties to fall inside her home. Separately, a supermarket worker sustained leg burns after hot cooking oil spilled during the quake.
Emergency officials confirmed that hospitals admitted at least three injured people by early afternoon. Elderly residents accounted for most injuries, highlighting their vulnerability during seismic events. Municipal leaders urged families to secure furniture and improve home safety measures immediately. Local governments also coordinated inspections of public buildings and transport facilities after the earthquakes.
The meteorological agency advised residents to stay alert for strong earthquakes during the next week. Officials warned that aftershocks reaching upper 5 intensity remain possible in affected areas. Seismologists explained that clustered tremors often follow stress adjustments along active fault zones. Preparedness remains critical even after the initial shaking subsides to prevent further injuries.
Looking ahead, regional authorities plan further assessments of infrastructure resilience and emergency readiness. Disaster management teams will review response effectiveness from Tuesday’s seismic events across prefectures. Strong earthquakes underline Japan’s constant seismic exposure and the importance of preparedness. Continued investment in disaster prevention and public awareness remains essential nationwide.
