A 5.6 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale shook central Japan late this Friday, according to the Japanese Meteorological Agency. The agency specified that no conditions have been detected to activate a tsunami alert or signs of volcanic activity on Mount Fuji, and that for the moment no casualties or material damage have been reported.
The agency detailed that the tremor's magnitude was finally calculated at 6, with an intensity that reached level 7 in Fujikawaguchiko, a town located in Yamanashi Prefecture, in the central area of the main island.
Experts cited by the Japanese agency "Kyodo" explained that the region hit by the earthquake is located at a point where several tectonic plates converge, including the Philippine Sea Plate, which increases seismic activity.
"For my part, I have instructed the competent ministries and agencies to urgently assess the damage situation and collaborate closely with local administrations and, on the premise that human life comes first, act united as a government to dedicate all their efforts to emergency measures, such as the salvation and rescue of those affected," said Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Taikaichi at a press conference.
This tremor is the second major earthquake recorded in Japan this week. The previous one, of magnitude 7.2, shook the north of the archipelago on Thursday, with its epicenter off the coast of Iwate Prefecture and a hypocenter located about 44 kilometers deep.