2021 Fukushima earthquake
An intense and deadly seismic event struck offshore east of Tōhoku, Japan. The MJMA 7.3 or Mw 7.1 earthquake occurred on a Saturday night at 23:07 JST (14:07 UTC) on 13 February at a focal depth of 44.0 kilometers (27.3 mi). It had a maximum JMA intensity of Shindo 6+ to Shindo 7 while on the Mercalli intensity scale, earned a rating of VIII (Severe). The earthquake was followed by multiple aftershocks within less than an hour, three of which registering magnitude 5.3. The earthquake itself has been considered an aftershock of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake which had occurred almost ten years prior.
| 福島県沖地震 | |
| UTC time | 2021-02-13 14:07:49 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 619834062 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | 13 February 2021 |
| Local time | 23:07 JST |
| Magnitude | 7.3 MJMA 7.1 Mw |
| Depth | 55.0 km (34 mi) (JMA) 44.0 km (27 mi) (USGS) |
| Epicenter | 37.720°N 141.762°E |
| Fault | Japan Trench |
| Type | Reverse |
| Total damage | ¥138 billion (US$1.2 billion) |
| Max. intensity | JMA 6+–JMA 7 MMI VIII (Severe) |
| Peak acceleration | 1.46 g 1432 gal |
| Tsunami | 20 cm (0.66 ft) |
| Landslides | Yes |
| Aftershocks | Multiple. The largest is an Mw 6.0. |
| Casualties | 3 dead, 186 injured, 16 serious |
The earthquake left three people dead, and at least 186 injured. It also inflicted significant structural damage across the Tōhoku and Kanto regions. This earthquake resulted in both insurance claims and losses exceeding ¥138 billion (US$1.2 billion). Small tsunami waves were also observed without any damage. Because of its proximity to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the event provoked concerns of radiation leaks but was dismissed soon after. Although there were no changes to the level of radiation, cooling water used in two of the reactor units was discovered leaking.