Japan: 5.8 Magnitude Quake Hits Hokkaido

Hokkaido [Japan] Feb 22 (ANI): An earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale struck Japan's northern island of Hokkaido on Thursday (local time). According to the NHK, the quake occurred in the central part of the island on Thursday night at a depth of 33 kilometres. No casualties have been reported so far. The authorities are assessing the damage caused by the tremors. Japan Meteorological agency has asked people to stay alert. "The earthquake is an aftershock that followed from the one that hit Hokkaido on September 6 last year," said the agency in a statement.The island transport system was hit hard after the quake. The Hokkaido Railway Company halted services from several hours after the earthquake. Officials say they suspended operations at more than 50 locations to conduct safety inspections. (ANI)

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