Japan Struck by Two Major Earthquakes, USGS Reports

TOKYO, Japan — A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake, followed by a 7.1 tremor, hit off the southern coast of Japan on Thursday, August 8, 2024, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Reports from broadcaster NHK indicated that tsunamis of up to one meter were expected to impact coastal areas in the Kyushu and Shikoku islands. The initial quake occurred at a depth of 33 kilometers, while the subsequent tremor struck nearby at a depth of 25 kilometers.

In response to the earthquakes, the Japanese government has established a special task force to address the situation. Japan, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, sitting atop four major tectonic plates.

The archipelago, home to approximately 125 million people, experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually, accounting for about 18% of the world's seismic activity. While most of these quakes are mild, the damage they cause can vary significantly based on their location and depth.

Despite the potential for destruction, Japan's strict building regulations and advanced construction techniques often mitigate the impact of even significant earthquakes. However, the country faced a tragic incident on New Year’s Day when a massive quake resulted in at least 260 fatalities, including 30 deaths directly linked to the disaster.

As the situation develops, authorities are closely monitoring the aftermath of the latest seismic events and assessing any potential damage caused by the quakes and the resulting tsunamis.


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