5.8 magnitude earthquake hits eastern Japan, Fukushima nuclear plant halts water discharge
15 March 2024 07:44
An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 on the Richter scale struck eastern Japan on Friday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, which Reuters quotes. The epicentre of the earthquake was located off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture, where strong tremors were recorded - the agency reported, adding that no tsunami warning was issued.
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 on the Richter scale occurred under the sea near the coast of Fukushima in Japan, shortly after midnight, on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 2:14 AM GMT.
The earthquake had a shallow depth of 53 kilometres and was felt over a large area. The shallow depth of the earthquake caused it to be felt more strongly near the epicentre than a deeper quake of similar magnitude.
The exact size, epicentre, and depth of the earthquake may be verified within the next few hours, as seismologists review the data and refine their calculations or when other agencies publish their reports.
Preliminary seismic data suggests that the earthquake was likely felt by many people in the epicentre region. It should not cause significant damage, except for items falling off shelves or broken windows.
Earthquake in Japan. Nuclear power plant's decision
As highlighted by PAP, the operator of the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (northeastern Japan) announced on Friday that it has suspended "as a precaution" the process of discharging purified water from the plant into the sea after the earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 on the Richter scale, which struck the coast of Fukushima Prefecture.
On the Japanese scale, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5 on the Richter scale includes: "Tilting of power poles. Windows may crack or fall out, unreinforced cinder block walls may topple, some roads will be damaged".
