Un terremoto de magnitud 6,1 ha sacudido este jueves las costas del este de la isla japonesa de Hokkaido, en el norte del archipiélago, sin provocar alerta de tsunami ni reporte de daños.
Hokkaido: the second largest of JapanS main islands, known for its vast wilderness, national parks, and ski resorts.
El temblor tuvo lugar a las 8:08 hora local (01:08 del jueves en España) con epicentro a una gran profundidad no especificada en aguas frente a la costa de la península de Nemuro, en la mencionada ínsula, según datos de la agencia Meteorológica de Japón (JMA).
El seísmo alcanzó en la ciudad de Kushiro el nivel 4 de la escala japonesa sísmica de 7 niveles, centrada en medir la agitación sobre la superficie y el potencial destructivo del terremoto, y se dejó notar con menor intensidad en otras zonas de Hokkaido y en ciertas zonas del noreste de la isla principal de Honshu.
Japanese Seismic Scale: Unlike the Richter scale, the Shindo scale measures the degree of shaking at specific locations, providing a more localized understanding of the earthquake’s impact.
La JMA ha advertido de que el terremoto podría ocasionar algunos cambios en las mareas de la zona, pero añadió que no hay motivo de preocupación por potenciales daños.
Las autoridades locales no han sido informadas de ningún incidente vinculado al terremoto.
Japón se asienta sobre el llamado Anillo de fuego, una de las zonas sísmicas más activas del mundo, y sufre terremotos con relativa frecuencia, por lo que sus infraestructuras están especialmente diseñadas para aguantar los temblores.
TOKYO,June 19,2025
Shaking Things Up in Japan
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake rattled Japan’s Hokkaido island, but fortunately, no tsunami alert was issued.
- A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Hokkaido, Japan, on Thursday.
- The quake occurred at 8:08 AM local time.
- No tsunami alert was issued, and no damage was reported.
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake shook the eastern coast of Hokkaido, Japan, on Thursday, according to the Japan meteorological Agency (JMA). The tremor occurred at 8:08 AM local time, with the epicenter located off the coast of the Nemuro peninsula.
The JMA reported that the quake registered a level 4 on the Japanese seismic scale (which has 7 levels) in the city of Kushiro.The shaking was felt with less intensity in other parts of Hokkaido and in some areas of Honshu, the main island.
The agency has cautioned that the earthquake may cause some changes in the tides in the area,but they also added that there is no reason for concern about potential damage.
Local authorities have not reported any incidents related to the earthquake.
Did you know? Japan sits on the “Ring of Fire,” a seismically active zone, making earthquakes a relatively frequent occurrence.The country’s infrastructure is specially designed to withstand these tremors.
Understanding the Japanese Seismic Scale
The Japanese seismic scale is designed to measure the intensity of the shaking on the surface and the potential for destruction, with each level representing a different degree of ground motion and impact.
Living on the Ring of Fire: Japan’s Earthquake Preparedness
As we’ve established, Japan’s location on the “Ring of Fire” means that earthquakes, like the recent one off the coast of Hokkaido, are a recurring part of life [[1]]. While the 6.1-magnitude quake caused minimal disruption, it serves as a reminder of the constant seismic activity shaping the nation.
But did you know that japan is not just passively enduring these events? It has become a global leader in earthquake preparedness and structural resilience.
The Science Behind the Structures
Japan’s building codes are among the most stringent in the world; requiring structures to withstand significant ground motion. These codes incorporate several key strategies:
- Seismic Isolation: This involves using layers of rubber, springs, or bearings between a building and its foundation to absorb seismic energy.
- Damping Systems: These systems, like viscous dampers found in skyscrapers, dissipate energy, reducing the building’s sway during an earthquake.
- reinforced Construction: Steel frames and cross-bracing add strength and versatility to buildings. This helps them bend instead of breaking.
Japan’s infrastructure is specifically engineered to withstand frequent seismic activity by utilizing advanced construction methods and rigorous building codes. Regulations are regularly updated to incorporate the latest research and technologies.
Beyond Buildings: Community Preparedness
Beyond physical infrastructure, Japan places a strong emphasis on community preparedness.This includes:
- Disaster Drills: Schools, workplaces, and communities regularly conduct earthquake drills, ensuring people know what to do during a tremor.
- early Warning Systems: Sophisticated systems, like the Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system, provide residents with precious seconds to take cover before the strongest shaking arrives.
- Emergency Supplies: Homes and public spaces frequently enough store emergency kits with essentials such as food, water, and first-aid supplies.
The Japanese government’s investment in early warning systems and regular disaster drills significantly enhances citizen safety. These systems help mitigate the risks of earthquakes.
How Visitors Can Stay safe
Tourists in Japan can also take steps to ensure their safety during an earthquake:
- Familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures: When you check into a hotel,find out the evacuation routes and assembly points.
- Keep essential items accessible: Carry a small emergency kit with water, snacks, and any necessary medications.
- Understand Earthquake Alerts: Learn how to interpret EEW alerts. These are broadcast on TV, radio, and mobile devices.
What’s Next? Ongoing Research and Development
Japan’s commitment to earthquake resilience is ongoing, fueling constant innovation. The country is constantly exploring:
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