Magnitude 5.9 earthquake strikes central Japan; no tsunami warning issued

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 shook central Japan early Monday morning. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the quake struck at 6:31 am local time (2131 GMT) in the Noto Peninsula area. Thankfully, there was no tsunami warning issued.

Ten minutes after the initial quake, a second, smaller earthquake of magnitude 4.8 hit the same area. Local officials stated that there were no immediate reports of damage, but they were still gathering information. Public broadcaster NHK noted that the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant suspended operations to check for any potential damage.

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Concerns about previous damage

The Noto Peninsula had already experienced a devastating earthquake on January 1, which killed more than 230 people and caused significant damage. NHK warned that many buildings in the coastal Sea of Japan region might still be vulnerable due to the damage from the January quake and its aftershocks.

Japan is located on the western edge of the Pacific "Ring of Fire," making it one of the world's most tectonically active countries. The archipelago experiences around 1,500 earthquakes every year, accounting for about 18 percent of the world's quakes. Most of these quakes are mild, but their impact varies depending on their location and depth.

Despite frequent earthquakes, Japan's strict building regulations and advanced construction techniques help minimize damage. The country is well-prepared to handle earthquakes, ensuring the safety of its 125 million residents.

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