02 Mar 2023 | 06:55 AM UTC
Japan, Russia: Magnitude-5.2 offshore earthquake occurs near southern Kuril Islands at around 17:14 SRET March 2
Magnitude-5.2 offshore earthquake occurs near Kuril Islands, Russia, at around 17:14 SRET March 2. No initial reports of damage or injuries.
Event
A magnitude-5.2 offshore earthquake occurred in the North Pacific Ocean near the southern Kuril Islands at around 17:14 SRET March 2. The epicenter was about 59 km (37 miles) southeast of Shikotan. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 40 km (25 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout parts of the southern Kuril Islands and far eastern Hokkaido Prefecture in Japan. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. 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 where shaking occurred.
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.s"
