5.9 magnitude earthquake jolts Japan, people forced to evacuate

Tokyo (The Uttam Hindu): A strong earthquake struck northern Japan on Saturday. The quake, which struck eastern Hokkaido, measured 5.9 on the Richter scale. However, no casualties or damage have been reported so far.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the epicenter of the quake was located about 40 kilometers southeast of the Nemuro Peninsula. Many people evacuated their homes as a precaution after the tremor. The agency clarified that there was no tsunami threat from the earthquake.

Japan shaken by 5.9 magnitude earthquake; people evacuated from their homes: According to local news agency Kyodo, the quake struck at 1:40 pm and registered just below 5 on Japan's seven-level seismic scale in many parts of the northern island. The Fire and Disaster Management Department immediately issued an emergency warning, urging people to remain vigilant.

Experts say Japan is located in a region where seismic activity is common. Countries like Indonesia and Japan are located along the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire," a region considered highly active for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface causes frequent disturbances in this region. This is why earthquakes are felt periodically in countries like Japan, Indonesia, Nepal, and India.