5.9-magnitude earthquake hits Amami Islands in south-western Japan
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The earthquake measured upper 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 in Yoron on the southern tip of Kagoshima Prefecture.
PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM USGS
A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 rattled the south-western island region of Amami in Kagoshima Prefecture on May 20, with no tsunami warning issued, the weather agency said.
The focus of the 11.46am quake was off the coast of the main island of Okinawa Prefecture at about 50km underground, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The earthquake measured upper 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 in Yoron on the southern tip of Kagoshima Prefecture.
According to the weather agency, at that level, many people may find it hard to move without holding onto something stable. Dishes, books and unsecured furniture may also fall.
The agency warned that quakes of similar intensity could occur over the next week, especially within the next two to three days.
No casualties or significant property damage had been reported in Yoron as of 12.20pm, according to local authorities and police. KYODO NEWS
