Japan: 6.7 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Hokkaido Island

Hokkaido [Japan], Sep 06 (ANI): A 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit Japan's northern island of Hokkaido in the wee hours of Thursday, Japan's Meteorological Agency confirmed.

While indicating towards minor changes in the sea-level in Japan's coastal areas, the agency ruled out the possibility of a Tsunami or any other damage as a result of the earthquake, the Japan Times reported. The earthquake hit Hokkaido at 3:08 AM.

The quake, which originated at a depth of 40 kilometers below southern Hokkaido, was recorded between 6 and 7 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale in the town of Abira and in the lower 6 in Chitose city. Both cities are southeast of Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido.

Several incidents of house collapses and landslides have also been reported from various parts of the island.

Addressing a press conference, an official of Japan's Meteorological Agency said, "There are risks of landslides and homes collapsing. Please don't go near anywhere deemed dangerous."

Authorities have suspended operations of the Shinkansen or the Japanese bullet train due to a blackout, the Japan Times stated citing an NHK report. (ANI)

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