The past week in Japan has seen a similar number of felt-earthquakes as the previous week, with many occurring on the Pacific Ocean side from Kanto to Tohoku and also in Kyushu. Specifically, there were three earthquakes with a seismic intensity of 3 or higher. In the Kumamoto region of Kumamoto Prefecture, a new earthquake with a seismic intensity of 3 occurred, the third such occurrence this year. The earthquake’s epicenter was near the Hinagu fault zone, and the earthquake mechanism was analyzed as strike-slip type. Although Kumamoto Prefecture continues to experience frequent earthquakes, the frequency has not significantly increased compared to the past. Earthquakes in the waters near Hachijojima are either shallow or deep, depending on the epicenter’s location. Shallow earthquakes occur inside the Philippine Sea plate, while deep earthquakes occur near the boundary where the Pacific plate subducts into the Philippine Sea plate. Meanwhile, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake off the coast of Shimoetsu, Niigata Prefecture, with a seismic intensity of 3 for the first time in four years occurred. Lastly, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake occurred in Papua New Guinea, resulting in some casualties.
2023/04/09 10:10 Weather news
There are still many earthquakes on the Pacific Ocean side from Kanto to Tohoku, and earthquakes were also noticeable in Kyushu. Felt earthquakes frequently occur in the sea near Chichijima. There were three earthquakes with a seismic intensity of 3 or higher. (Tally from April 3rd to 9th at 10:00)
Domestic: In the Kumamoto region of Kumamoto Prefecture, a seismic intensity of 3 was recorded for the third time this year.
This is the third time since February 11 that an earthquake centered in the Kumamoto region of Kumamoto Prefecture has recorded a seismic intensity of 3 or higher. The earthquake mechanism is analyzed as strike-slip type.
Seven years have passed since the devastating Kumamoto earthquake, but many earthquakes continue to occur in the focal region. The epicenter this time occurred near the Hinagu fault zone that stretches along the Yatsushiro Sea.
In the past week, felt earthquakes have occurred in other areas of Kumamoto Prefecture, with a maximum seismic intensity of 1 in the Aso region on the night of the 3rd (Monday) and a maximum seismic intensity of 1 in the Kuma region on the 8th (Saturday). doing.
The frequency of earthquakes in Kumamoto Prefecture has not increased significantly compared to the past.
World: M7.0 in Papua New Guinea kills some
An earthquake estimated to have a magnitude of 7.0 and a depth of regarding 70km occurred with an epicenter in Papua New Guinea in the early hours of the 3rd (Monday) Japan time. The mechanism of the earthquake is analyzed as a normal fault type with a tension axis in the WNW-ESE direction.
Because the epicenter was on land and large in scale, the quake near the epicenter was VII on the revised Mercalli seismic intensity scale. It is said that some people died due to the collapse of the building.
Papua New Guinea is located on the boundary between the Pacific plate and the Australian plate, and large earthquakes often occur on land. In September last year, a large earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 occurred in the area southeast of this epicenter.
Reference materials, etc.
*Information on earthquake sources and seismic intensity in Japan is from the Japan Meteorological Agency unless otherwise specified. Overseas epicenter information is from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) unless otherwise specified. There may be differences in hypocenter information depending on the publishing organization.
As we conclude this weather news report, it is important to note the frequent occurrence of earthquakes around the world, particularly in Japan where the seismic activity remains steady. The recent earthquakes observed in Kumamoto region of Kumamoto Prefecture have been of concern since the region has been hit by devastating earthquakes in the past. The earthquake off the coast of Shimoetsu, Niigata Prefecture, and the strong earthquake in Hyuga Nada also remind us of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters. We extend our thoughts and prayers to those affected by the earthquakes, particularly in Papua New Guinea where casualties have been reported. It is important to stay informed and prepared for such events as we move forward.
