Tokyo

A strong earthquake struck western Japan on Tuesday, but there was no threat of a tsunami and no reports of major damage or life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said the quake, initially measured at magnitude 6.2, was later upgraded to magnitude 6.4. The epicentre was located inland in Shimane prefecture at a depth of about 10 kilometres.

The prefectural capital Matsue and nearby areas, including parts of neighbouring Tottori prefecture, experienced strong tremors.

JMA said there was no risk of a tsunami but cautioned residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks over the next week.

Local fire departments reported several cases of minor injuries, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

Shinkansen bullet train services in the affected region were temporarily suspended or delayed as a precaution.

Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority said no abnormalities were detected at the Shimane nuclear power plant or other related facilities in the area.

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Japan lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active zones, and experiences frequent earthquakes.