News world Japan Earthquake: Magnitude 6.0 Quake Hits Hokkaido Hours After Tremors Injure Over 40 In Tokyo
Last Updated:August 24, 2026, 10:04 IST
The first tremor struck at around 2 am local time, with its epicentre in southern Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of 68 kilometres, according to local media reports.
A cracked road is seen in Hikawa, Kumamoto Prefecture on July 30, 2026, after an earthquake struck southwestern Japan on July 28. (File/AFP)
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Hokkaido in northern Japan on Sunday evening, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), marking the second significant tremor to hit the country within a day.
The quake was recorded off the coast of Urakawa in Hokkaido at a depth of 40 kilometres. No tsunami warning was issued following the tremor.
Earlier on Sunday, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 hit eastern Japan, leaving more than 40 people injured in Tokyo and nearby prefectures, the official Kyodo News Agency reported.
The Japan Meteorological Agency subsequently warned that the country could experience earthquakes of similar intensity over the next few days.
The first tremor struck at around 2 am local time, with its epicentre in southern Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of 68 kilometres, according to local media reports.
Parts of Ibaraki and central Tokyo recorded a lower 5 on Japan’s seven-level seismic intensity scale.
Most of the injuries caused by the morning earthquake occurred when people fell or collided with furniture and doors, the Associated Press reported, citing officials. Several people were asleep when the tremor struck and panicked while getting out of bed.
Train Services Disrupted
The tremors also affected rail operations in several parts of Japan.
Express trains connecting Tokyo with Narita Airport were delayed, while local services in northeastern areas also faced disruptions. Shinkansen bullet train services, however, continued to run normally.
Following the morning earthquake, some trains started operations later than scheduled, while others reduced their speeds, JR East and other operators said, according to Kyodo News.
Several express services operated by Tobu Railway remained suspended.
Japan Warns Of More Earthquakes
The Japanese government set up a task force to assess the possible damage caused by the earthquake, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was quoted as saying.
The weather agency also cautioned that additional earthquakes of similar strength could occur in the days ahead.
The morning earthquake, which originated in southern Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of 68 kilometres, was felt across a wide area, including parts of northeastern and central Japan.
Last month, a powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto region on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island. The quake left 38 people dead and 364 others injured.
Handpicked stories, in your inbox
A newsletter with the best of our journalism
submit
Key Questions AnsweredPowered by
Ask News18Will more strong earthquakes hit Japan soon?
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that the country could experience earthquakes of similar intensity over the next few days.
How did the Tokyo earthquake injure so many people?
Many of those injured in the Tokyo earthquake fell or struck furniture and doors because the tremor caught them by surprise while they were asleep, causing them to rush out of bed in a panic. Some also feared being hit by merchandise falling from shelves in stores.
What is Japan’s plan for future quake preparedness?
Japan plans to establish a second capital to ensure the country can continue to operate if Tokyo is affected by a natural disaster like an earthquake. This initiative addresses the concern that a major earthquake in Tokyo, which houses 30% of Japan’s population and generates a fifth of its economic output, could disrupt government and financial institutions.
Powered byAsk News18About the Author
Aanchal SinhaSub Editor
Aanchal is the Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than four years of experience in national and international news. My work involves covering breaking news, politics, current affairs and developments…Read More
First Published:
August 24, 2026, 10:04 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More