Earthquake of 5.9 Magnitude near Izu Islands, Tsunami Hits Half an Hour Later

Tokyo: Residents of Japan, already grappling with heavy rain and landslides for several days, faced earthquake tremors today near the Izu Islands. The earthquake was recorded at a magnitude of 5.9 on the Richter scale, attributed to volcanic activity. Following the earthquake, a moderate tsunami struck the remote Japanese islands.

According to The Japan Times, the country's meteorological agency warned that waves could rise up to one meter above the tidal level along the coasts of the Izu and Ogasawara island chains. The U.S. Geological Survey measured the earthquake's magnitude at 5.6. Approximately 21,500 people live on the Izu Islands, while about 2,500 reside on the Ogasawara Islands. Japan has also faced severe devastation from rain and landslides, with rescue and relief efforts ongoing and searches for missing persons underway.

About 30 minutes after the earthquake, a tsunami of approximately 50 centimeters was detected in the Hachijo Island area of Yane district. Smaller waves were reported on three other islands: Kojima, Miyakejima, and Izu Oshima. The earthquake's impact was felt about 180 kilometers south of Hachijo Island, approximately 300 kilometers south of the capital, Tokyo. Japan is located on the "Ring of Fire," a seismically active zone surrounding the Pacific Ocean.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that the government has not received any reports of damage from the earthquake or tsunami. The agency informed the government that it is unclear whether Tuesday's earthquake is related to the eruption that occurred on September 19 on Smith Island in the Izu chain. The area near Torishima Island frequently experiences earthquakes of magnitude 6.0, with a 6.5 magnitude earthquake occurring in 2023.