Small tsunami waves splashed ashore on Japan’s remote islands on Tuesday morning after a magnitude 5.8 earthquake, likely triggered by volcanic activity, shook the area. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami advisory, warning of waves up to 1 meter above tide levels along the Izu and Ogasawara island chains, although the tremor was not felt on land.
The earthquake struck offshore, approximately 180 kilometers (111 miles) south of Hachijo Island, which lies about 300 kilometers (186 miles) south of Tokyo. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake’s magnitude as 5.6. Within 30 minutes of the quake, a tsunami of about 50 centimeters (20 inches) was detected in the Yaene district on Hachijo Island, with smaller waves recorded on three other islands: Kozushima, Miyakejima, and Izu Oshima. Fortunately, no damage or injuries have been reported, and the tsunami advisory was lifted about three hours later.
Residents on Hachijo Island reported not feeling the earthquake but received alerts regarding the tsunami. Ryuji Minemoto, a local resident, stated he observed the ocean from high ground but noticed no significant changes in the water’s movement. Seismologist Fumihiko Imamura indicated that the tsunami is likely linked to undersea volcanic activity, which can cause seabed movements without the typical shaking associated with earthquakes.
Japan is located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for its seismic activity, making it one of the most earthquake and tsunami-prone nations in the world.
