Shallow 6.2 earthquake hit Suruga Bay, Japan

Very strong shallow earthquake meassured as 6.2 magnitude by USGS seismographs, struck at 14:58:08 UTC with epicenter in the middle of the Suruga Bay (34.635°N, 138.443°E). The earthquake occurred on depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), 32 km (19 miles) S of Shizuoka and 163 km (101 miles) SW of Tokyo.

Yellow alert level for economic losses was issued. Some damage is possible and the impact should be relatively localized. Estimated economic losses are less than 1% of GDP of Japan. Past events with this alert level have required a local or regional level response. Green alert level for shaking-related fatalities. There is a low likelihood of casualties.

The area is being rattled with numerous aftershocks. The epicenter of this earthquake is close to Shizuoka and the Fuji volcano and mountain. The area was severely damaged by a very strong shallow earthquake a few days after the March 11 earthquake. Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides, fires, and liquefaction.

Satellite map of the greater epicenter area