6.1 magnitude earthquake strikes off Hokkaido, Japan

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the Nemuro Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido, Japan on Thursday, state broadcaster NHK reported, citing the country's weather agency.

The earthquake occurred at 8.08 a.m. local time (2308GMT Wednesday) at a shallow depth off the southeastern coast of the Nemuro Peninsula, said the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The US Geological Survey said the earthquake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale.

There were no reports of injuries or damage to infrastructure.

No tsunami warning was issued.

The quake may cause changes in the tide levels of less than 20 centimeters on the eastern Pacific coast of Hokkaido, but there is no need to worry about damage, the agency said.

*Writing by Aamir Latif