Strong M6.1 earthquake hits near the coast of Japan, slight sea level changes forecast
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit near the coast of Hokkaido, Japan, at 08:37 UTC (17:37 local time) on May 31, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). JMA is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles).
Epicenter of M6.1 earthquake near the coast of Hokkaido, Japan on May 31, 2025. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 84 km (52 miles) SSE of Kushiro (population 167 875), and 136 km (85 miles) SE of Obihiro (population 165 851), Hokkaido, Japan.
586 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.
Slight sea level changes, less than 20 cm (8 inches), are forecast for the eastern part of the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, with no threat of flooding or damage expected.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and unreinforced brick with mud construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides and fires that might have contributed to losses.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.1 earthquake near the coast of Hokkaido, Japan – USGS – May 31, 2025
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