Three moderate quakes hit same area in southwestern Japan

TOKYO (AFP) Jun 08, 2004
Three moderate to minor earthquakes measuring 4.2, 4.1 and 3.3 on the Richter scale shook southwestern Japan Tuesday, the Meteorological Agency said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the quakes. There was also no fear of tsunami tidal waves, the agency said.

The first 4.2 quake occurred at 8:05 am (2305 GMT Monday) with its epicenter located off the western coast of Wakayama Prefecture, 500 kilometers (310 miles) southwest of Tokyo.

The focus of the first quake was 10 kilometres (six miles) below sea level, it said.

The second quake happened at 9:04 am (0004 GMT Tuesday) at the same location. The focus of the second quake was measured only as "very shallow."

The third hit at 9:13 am (0013 GMT). It was also 10 kilometers deep, the agency said.

TERRA.WIRE