Moderate 5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes South of Sukumo, Japan
A magnitude 5.2 earthquake occurred off the coast of Japan on March 17, 2026. The tremor was recorded at a shallow depth of 11.9 kilometers.
What Happened
A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 (mww) was recorded south of Sukumo, Japan, on March 17, 2026, at 09:07:44 UTC. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the event occurred at a shallow depth of 11.9 kilometers.
Location Details
The epicenter was located at coordinates 32.0722°N and 132.7034°E, approximately 95 kilometers south of Sukumo, Japan. The depth of 11.9 kilometers is classified as shallow; seismic events at this depth (less than 20 km) are typically felt more strongly at the surface than deeper earthquakes.
Impact Assessment
There is currently no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect following this event. At the time of reporting, no felt reports have been submitted to the USGS, and no specific alert level color has been assigned to the event.
What You Should Know
A magnitude 5.2 event is classified as a “moderate earthquake.” While such events can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings, they typically result in light to no damage in well-engineered structures. Residents in the region should remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks, which are routine following seismic activity of this magnitude.
Source
Information provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.
Source: USGS Official Notice