A moderate earthquake registering 5.5 magnitude struck off the coast of Japan’s Aomori Prefecture on Sunday morning, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The seismic event occurred at 10:29 am local time, with its epicenter positioned approximately 50 kilometers beneath the Pacific Ocean floor at coordinates 40.7 degrees north latitude and 142.3 degrees east longitude.
The tremblor registered a 4 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, which peaks at 7, indicating noticeable shaking capable of awakening sleepers and causing objects to rattle significantly. Despite the substantial magnitude, meteorological authorities confirmed no tsunami advisory would be issued following comprehensive assessment of oceanic data.
This seismic activity comes amid heightened geological sensitivity in the region. Just thirteen days prior to this event, a much more powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake had rattled northern and northeastern Japan on December 8th. That significant temblor had prompted Japanese authorities to issue a week-long alert regarding potential aftershocks and subsequent seismic events, which was only lifted the previous Monday.
JMA officials, while not issuing new alerts following Sunday’s quake, continued to emphasize the importance of earthquake preparedness and urged residents throughout the affected regions to maintain vigilance. The agency reiterated standard safety protocols, including taking cover during shaking and being aware of potential hazards even from moderate quakes.
Northern Japan’s Pacific coastline remains one of the world’s most seismically active regions due to its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates converge and frequently interact.