Moderate M 5.6 Earthquake Strikes 65 km NW of Hirara, Japan

What Happened

A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 (mww) struck the region northwest of Hirara, Japan, on February 22, 2026, at 10:39:23 UTC. The seismic event was recorded at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers.

Location Details

The epicenter was located at coordinates 25.2561°N, 124.8849°E, approximately 65 kilometers northwest of Hirara, Japan. The depth of 10 kilometers is classified as shallow; earthquakes occurring at depths less than 20 kilometers are often felt more intensely at the surface than deeper events due to their proximity to the crust.

Impact Assessment

According to the USGS, the earthquake has been assigned a “green” alert level, indicating a low likelihood of casualties and economic damage. The maximum estimated intensity was recorded at a Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) of 4.177. No tsunami advisory, watch, or warning was issued following the event. At the time of this report, there were no felt reports submitted to the USGS.

What You Should Know

Moderate earthquakes (M 5.0-5.9) are capable of causing damage to poorly constructed buildings, though well-built structures typically sustain little to no damage. Residents in the area should remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks. In the event of further seismic activity, remember to drop, cover, and hold on.

Source

Information provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.