M 5.0 Moderate Earthquake Strikes Near Hirara, Japan
A moderate magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurred approximately 59 kilometers northwest of Hirara, Japan, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers on March 2, 2026.
What Happened
A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 (mww) was recorded northwest of Hirara, Japan. The seismic event occurred on March 2, 2026, at 05:36:26 UTC. The earthquake originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers.
Location Details
The epicenter was located at coordinates 25.2462°N, 124.9703°E, approximately 59 km northwest of Hirara, Japan. The depth of 10 km is classified as shallow; shallow earthquakes are typically felt more intensely at the surface than deeper events of the same magnitude.
Impact Assessment
According to the USGS, there was no tsunami advisory issued for this event. No felt reports were officially recorded in the source data at the time of this report, and no specific alert level color was assigned to the event.
What You Should Know
Moderate earthquakes (M 5.0-5.9) are capable of causing damage to poorly constructed buildings, though they typically result in light or no damage to well-built structures. Residents in the region should remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks, which are routine following an event of this size.
Source
Information provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.
Source: USGS Official Notice