A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 struck northeastern Japan, shaking a wide area on Thursday morning. The quake occurred off the Pacific coast of Iwate Prefecture, registering upper 6 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale in some areas. Tremors were felt across several prefectures, affecting transport services briefly.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the earthquake at a depth of 50 kilometers. The shaking reached upper 6 intensity in Hashikami and lower 6 in Hachinohe, with upper 5 shaking in other areas. The weather agency explained that an upper 6 intensity makes it difficult for people to stand and can cause unsecured furniture to shift.
In Venezuela, two major earthquakes struck within a minute, causing concerns about casualties and destruction. The US Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 7.1 quake followed by a stronger 7.5-magnitude tremor near Caracas. The shallow depth of these quakes at 10 kilometers could increase their impact, with high casualties and extensive damage expected.
Rail services in Japan were temporarily disrupted, with the East Japan Railway Company suspending bullet train operations as a precaution. In Venezuela, buildings collapsed in Caracas due to the earthquakes. Both countries are assessing the aftermath and potential damages caused by the seismic events.
