Moderate M 5.3 Earthquake Strikes Near Mutsu, Japan
A magnitude 5.3 earthquake occurred approximately 73 kilometers east-northeast of Mutsu, Japan, on February 21, 2026. No tsunami advisory was issued.
What Happened
A moderate magnitude 5.3 (mww) earthquake occurred on February 21, 2026, at 14:16:31 UTC. The seismic event was recorded at a depth of 63.2 km, according to data from the USGS.
Location Details
The earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 41.5548°N, 142.0269°E. This position is approximately 73 km east-northeast of Mutsu, Japan. At 63.2 km deep, this is classified as an intermediate-depth earthquake, as it falls within the 20 to 70 km range. Intermediate earthquakes typically cause less surface shaking than shallow events of the same magnitude.
Impact Assessment
According to the USGS, there was no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning issued following the event (tsunami: 0). There are currently no felt reports recorded in the system, and no specific alert level color has been assigned. Moderate earthquakes of this magnitude are typically felt by many but rarely cause significant structural damage in regions with modern building standards.
What You Should Know
Moderate earthquakes (M 5.0-5.9) can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings but are generally less destructive than stronger events. Residents in the vicinity should be prepared for the possibility of aftershocks, which are routine following a magnitude 5.3 event.
Source
Data and attribution provided by the USGS.
Source: USGS Official Notice