Moderate 5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northwest of Hirara, Japan

What Happened

A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 mb was recorded on March 5, 2026, at 10:48:21 UTC. The seismic event was centered approximately 53 kilometers northwest of Hirara, Japan. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake originated at a shallow depth of 10.156 kilometers.

Location Details

The earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 25.2035°N and 125.0077°E. The depth of approximately 10.2 kilometers is considered shallow; shallow earthquakes (those occurring at depths less than 20 kilometers) are typically felt more intensely at the surface than deeper seismic events of the same magnitude.

Impact Assessment

According to the USGS data, there is no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect (tsunami status: 0). No specific alert level color has been assigned to this event, and there are currently no community-contributed felt reports available in the official record. There have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

What You Should Know

An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 is classified as a “moderate earthquake.” While these events are routine in seismically active regions, they are capable of causing damage to poorly constructed buildings. Residents in the vicinity should be aware that aftershocks are possible following an event of this size. In the event of shaking, remember to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”

Source

Data and attribution provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.