Damage from M6.9 earthquake in Japan not significant; Fukushima plant unharmed

The magnitude 6.9 earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck 35 kilometres off the coast of Tomioka, Japan, on November 22 has not caused any significant damage, according to RMS.

TEPCO’s Fukushima-Daiichi Number 3 power plant had experienced cooling issues during the earthquake, which lead to the plant’s temporary closure, although there are no reports of structural damage and the plant has now reopened, said RMS.

In the Fukushima Prefecture, some factories and business were temporarily suspended, although most have reopened since the tsunami warning was cancelled.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) suggested that the population in the region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, although some vulnerable structure do exist.

However, secondary hazards from recent earthquakes in the area such as landslides and fires may contribute towards losses.

The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) suggested that the earthquake is likely an aftershock of the M9.0 earthquake which occurred in March 2011 near Tohoku.

The JMA has since warned that another large earthquake could be expected within next few days.