Japan Lifts Hokkaido Mega-Earthquake Alert; Morning Quake Unrelated
The Japanese government has ended the special earthquake caution for the Hokkaido and Sanriku areas. A magnitude 6.2 quake that occurred on the same day is considered unrelated to the previous major seismic event.
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- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 18:01
- 🔍 Collected: April 27, 2026 at 18:31 (30 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 22:26 (27h 54m after Collected)
TOKYO (CNA) - The Japanese government ended the 'Hokkaido/Sanriku Offshore Follow-up Earthquake (Aftershock) Caution Information' at 5:00 PM today. Additionally, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake that struck Hokkaido early this morning is believed to have no direct connection to the previous seismic activity.
The caution system for the Hokkaido/Sanriku offshore area began in 2022. Due to the potential for massive earthquakes accompanied by tsunamis along the Japan Trench and Kuril Trench, the Cabinet Office issues caution information when an earthquake of magnitude 7 or greater occurs in these predicted source areas, reminding the public that the probability of a subsequent massive earthquake is higher than usual.
On the evening of April 20, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake occurred off the coast of Sanriku, with Aomori Prefecture observing a maximum intensity of 5-upper. Authorities then issued the caution information, calling for citizens to confirm daily disaster preparations and take special precautions for one week, such as carrying emergency supplies.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) stated that as 168 hours have passed since the earthquake, the government decided to end the special disaster prevention call. However, they emphasized that while special measures are ending, people should remain vigilant and maintain daily preparedness.
Separately, around 5:23 AM today, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake occurred in Hokkaido, with Urahoro Town observing a maximum intensity of 5-upper.
The JMA stated that this earthquake has no direct connection to the April 20 quake and does not belong to the type of earthquake targeted by the previous caution information. In addition to being outside the predicted source area, its magnitude was smaller and did not meet the criteria for a new alert. However, they warned of potential similar-sized quakes over the next week, particularly the next 2-3 days.
The caution system for the Hokkaido/Sanriku offshore area began in 2022. Due to the potential for massive earthquakes accompanied by tsunamis along the Japan Trench and Kuril Trench, the Cabinet Office issues caution information when an earthquake of magnitude 7 or greater occurs in these predicted source areas, reminding the public that the probability of a subsequent massive earthquake is higher than usual.
On the evening of April 20, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake occurred off the coast of Sanriku, with Aomori Prefecture observing a maximum intensity of 5-upper. Authorities then issued the caution information, calling for citizens to confirm daily disaster preparations and take special precautions for one week, such as carrying emergency supplies.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) stated that as 168 hours have passed since the earthquake, the government decided to end the special disaster prevention call. However, they emphasized that while special measures are ending, people should remain vigilant and maintain daily preparedness.
Separately, around 5:23 AM today, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake occurred in Hokkaido, with Urahoro Town observing a maximum intensity of 5-upper.
The JMA stated that this earthquake has no direct connection to the April 20 quake and does not belong to the type of earthquake targeted by the previous caution information. In addition to being outside the predicted source area, its magnitude was smaller and did not meet the criteria for a new alert. However, they warned of potential similar-sized quakes over the next week, particularly the next 2-3 days.