Arab News Japan 

TOKYO: A strong earthquake with an intensity of 6 on the Japanese scale hit the southern Kagoshima prefecture on the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. The quake registered an intensity of five-plus on the Japanese scale, but the Japan Metrological Agency said there was no risk of a tsunami.

The quake’s epicenter was near the Tokara Islands, at a depth of about 20km, with a magnitude estimated to be 6.

The intensity registered three or less in the neighboring remote islands on Japan’s 10-point scale.

Residents told the NHK channel they felt strong shaking but witnessed no damage. The quake struck at 11:05 before noon. 

Meanwhile, the prime minister’s office set up a task force to follow the situation in Tokyo. 

Earthquakes have continued on the Tokara Islands since Saturday, Dec. 4. This morning’s tremor with a seismic intensity of 5 or higher is the largest.

Authorities warned it is necessary to pay attention and be vigilant as the same strong shaking might hit in the future.

Located 1,360km southeast of Tokyo, Kagoshima is a prefecture on the southern tip of Japan’s Kyushu island and runs along the Kagoshima Bay coast. It includes a chain of smaller islands to the southwest. The area is popular for tourists for its subtropical climate, hot springs, volcanoes, and national parks.