Japan was hit by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Fukushima 11pm Japanese time, around 4pm in South Africa on Saturday [February 13]. The epicentre was recorded off the Japan’s southern coast at a depth of 60m, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

It is still unclear if any people were injured or killed, but residents in the area are being advised to move to higher ground even though no tsunami warning was issued.

The very same region of Japan was struck 10 years ago by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake and tsunami which severely damaged the Fukushima nuclear reactor and killed 15 899 people. While the 2011 earthquake was the largest recorded in Japanese history, the region falls within the pacific ‘ring of fire’ which is known for its volcanic and seismic activity.

Japanese residents in the affected area posted videos of the earthquake and tremors. Many start off with their early warning alarms and signals going off on their phones before the cameras begin shaking.

 

Picture: Google Earth

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