Major Earthquakes Strike Japan and Venezuela, Causing Widespread Alarm

Tokyo, June 25: Japan and Venezuela experienced significant seismic activity on Thursday morning. A powerful earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck the northeastern region of Japan, while Venezuela faced two major tremors within minutes of each other.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake occurred around 7:30 AM local time near the Pacific coast of Iwate Prefecture, with its epicenter located 50 kilometers underground. Local media reports indicate that there is no tsunami threat at this time.

The agency reported that the seismic intensity reached ‘Upper 6’ in Hashikami, Aomori Prefecture, and ‘Lower 6’ in Hachinohe. Additionally, tremors of ‘Upper 5’ were felt in various areas, including Sannohe in Aomori and Morioka in Iwate Prefecture.

Kyodo News reported that strong shocks were felt in Miyagi, Hokkaido, Akita, Yamagata, and Fukushima Prefectures, with the impact also noticeable in the capital, Tokyo, and surrounding areas.

The agency noted that during ‘Upper 6’ intensity tremors, it becomes nearly impossible for people to stand or walk normally, often forcing them to crawl. It also warned that unsecured furniture could shift, and many items might fall during such an earthquake.

Rail services were disrupted following the quake. East Japan Railway Company (JR East) temporarily halted operations of the Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train between Sendai and Shin-Aomori stations for safety inspections.

Meanwhile, in Venezuela, two significant earthquakes struck within a minute, raising concerns about casualties and extensive damage. Reports indicate that buildings collapsed in the capital, Caracas.

According to the Xinhua News Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, followed by an even stronger tremor of 7.5 magnitude just one minute later. Both earthquakes occurred near the coastal city of Morón, approximately 160 kilometers west of Caracas.

The epicenter was only 10 kilometers deep, potentially exacerbating the impact of the disaster. The USGS has warned of significant casualties and damage following these two earthquakes.

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