Authorities reported a magnitude 6.3 earthquake rocked central Japan on Friday. Causing the suspension of bullet train services, although no tsunami warning was issued.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake struck the central Ishikawa area at 2:42 p.m. (0542 GMT) at a depth of 10 kilometres (six miles).
According to Japan Railway, Shinkansen bullet trains have been halted between Nagano and Kanazawa, a famous tourist destination.
There were no early reports of fatalities or property damage.
Friday is a public holiday in Japan, part of a week-long period known as “Golden Week.” During which many people travel for pleasure or to see relatives.
The earthquake rated an upper six on the Japan Shindo seismic scale. Which goes up to a maximum of seven in Suzu, indicating that it might produce catastrophic landslides.
The US Geological Survey estimated the magnitude of the quake to be 6.2 and reported it occurred just off the coast, although Japan’s Meteorological Agency said it occurred on land.
Earthquakes Are Common In Japan
Earthquakes are widespread in Japan, which is located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” An arc of high seismic activity that spans Southeast Asia and the Pacific basin.
However, Japan has strict construction regulations in place to ensure that buildings can withstand strong earthquakes. It holds emergency drills on a regular basis to prepare for a major jolt.
In 2007, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake rocked a fishing community on the Noto peninsula in the same location. Wounding hundreds and destroying over 200 structures.
The Noto peninsula is a rural location on the shore of the Sea of Japan famed for its natural beauty and seafood. According to 2015 census figures, the peninsula has a population of roughly 340,000 people.
Japan remains plagued by the memories of a devastating 9.0-magnitude underwater quake off northeastern Japan in March 2011. Which caused a tsunami that killed or injured around 18,500 people.
The 2011 tsunami also caused three nuclear reactors at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant to melt down. Resulting in the country’s biggest postwar tragedy and the most catastrophic nuclear accident since Chernobyl.