Strong earthquake shakes Japan, measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale

Strong earthquake tremors were once again felt in Japan on Tuesday. Its magnitude was measured at 6.1 on the Richter scale. The tremors were felt in Iwate and Aomori provinces in northern Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the epicenter of the earthquake was the northern part of Iwate prefecture. However, there is no information about the loss of life at present.

The shock came in January

More than 50 people were killed in an earthquake in western Japan at the start of the new year. Officials issued a warning and asked people to stay away from their homes.

According to media reports, about 100 aftershocks were felt in and around Ishikawa Prefecture on January 1. This included a 7.6 magnitude earthquake, after which a tsunami warning was issued.

Why and how do earthquakes occur?

Earthquakes are caused by the collision of plates within the Earth. Geologists say that our earth is located on 12 tectonic plates. The energy released when these plates collide is called an earthquake. According to experts, these plates present under the earth are moving at a very slow speed. Every year these plates move 4-5 mm from their place. During this period some plates move away from others and some slide under others. Earthquakes occur during this time due to collision of plates.