Japan: Magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake strikes off Hokkaido region at around 1028 JST Dec. 16

Event

A magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake occurred in the North Pacific Ocean, east of Hokkaido, at around 1028 JST Dec. 16. The epicenter was about 33 km (21 miles) south-southwest of Kushiro. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 48 km (30 miles), and weak-to-light shaking was probably felt across the Hokkaido region. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; significant damage is unlikely in impacted areas. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks may occur over the coming days. The incident has not prompted any tsunami advisories.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.