20 Jan 2023 | 06:21 AM UTC
Japan: Magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurs near northeastern Honshu Jan. 20
Magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurs near northeastern Honshu, Japan, at around 14:48 Jan. 20. No immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Event
A magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurred near northeastern Honshu at around 14:48 Jan. 20. The epicenter was about 128 km (50 miles) northeast of Sendai. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 49 km (30 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout Akita, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, northeastern Fukushima, and Yamagata prefectures. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake, and significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Light aftershocks are likely over the coming days. The event 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
Out of an abundance of caution, consider vacating multistory buildings where shaking occurred until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Monitor and plan for aftershocks.
