Japan earthquake: Will there be a tsunami after POWERFUL 5.2 earthquake hits Hokkaido?
A JAPANESE island has been rocked by a 5.2-magnitude earthquake. But will there be a tsunami after the powerful earthquake hit Hokkaido?
Japan: 5.2 magnitude earthquake hits island of Hokkaido
The US Geological Survey recorded the quake at 8.58am local time (12.58am BST).
The earthquake struck 73 miles south east of Sapporo, Japan’s fifth largest city and d37 kilometres east of the city of Tomakomai.
A woman in her 30s was “slightly injured” but no other injuries or damage has been reported, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK.
The worst affected areas on Hokkaido island were Ibui-chiho, Chutobu and Hidaka-chiho Seibu, the Japanese Meteorological Agency said.
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The Japanese Transport Ministry confirmed New Chitose Airport, which is located near Sapporo, is open as normal.
Bullet train services were temporarily halted, but have since resumed.
Will there be a tsunami?
There is no danger of a tsunami following the earthquake, according to NHK.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned said there may be a bigger threat of landslides or buildings collapsing in the areas that have been hit by the tremors.
The agency added there may be seismic activity or heavy rainfall that may follow the earthquake.
Other parts of Japan are also set to feel the wrath of Typhoon Kong-rey as it brings heavy rain and strong winds over the weekend.
If the storm makes landfall in mainland Japan, it will be the ninth tropical system to hit this year.
At least 41 people were killed and another 681 were injured after Hokkaido was struck by a 6.7 magnitude earthquake on September 6.
More than five million residents were affected by landslides and loss of power.
Around 220 buildings were also either damaged or swept away in the town of Atsuma.
Japan lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where 90 per cent of the world’s earthquakes occur.
Around 1,000 to 1,500 earthquakes of 5.2 magnitude strength occur around the world every year.