TOKYO, JAPAN – A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Friday, generating small tsunami waves but causing no reported damage or injuries. The quake occurred at 11:44 a.m. local time, off the east coast of Aomori prefecture in northern Honshu, at a depth of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles). The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory, which was lifted roughly two hours later.
Small tsunami waves were observed in both Hokkaido and Aomori prefectures, but authorities reported no serious damage. The earthquake comes just days after a stronger 7.5 magnitude quake hit the same region on Monday, resulting in light damage, temporary power outages, a small tsunami, and injuries to at least 34 people. Following Monday’s quake, officials warned of potential aftershocks and noted a slightly increased risk of a larger magnitude 8 or stronger earthquake along the northeastern coast, stretching from Chiba east of Tokyo to Hokkaido. The recent seismic activity occurred near the area devastated by the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in 2011, which killed nearly 20,000 people and led to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.