The earth shook this Saturday, February 25, in northern Japan. A magnitude 6.1 earthquake hit the island of Hokkaido, shaking coastal towns but without triggering a tsunami warning, announced the American seismological institute USGS. The tremor was recorded at a depth of 42.9 kilometers, but Japanese media reported no damage or anyone injured. The quake took place at 10:27 p.m. (1327 GMT) at a depth of about 43 kilometers, the USGS said.
An expert speaking on public broadcaster NHK advised residents to stay alert for about a week as more earthquakes are possible. Earthquakes are common in Japan, which sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an arc of intense seismic activity that stretches across Southeast Asia and the Pacific Basin.
The country enforces strict building regulations to ensure buildings can withstand strong earthquakes and regularly holds emergency drills to prepare for a major tremor.
