A strong magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Japan’s Aomori Prefecture on Friday, intensifying concerns in a region still reeling from a more powerful tremor earlier this week, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The quake occurred at 11:44 a.m. local time (2:44 GMT), with its epicenter located at a depth of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) beneath the Pacific seafloor. Authorities issued an immediate tsunami warning, though the extent of potential waves and any resulting damage or casualties has yet to be confirmed.

Friday’s tremor comes only days after a massive 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck northern Aomori on Monday. That earlier quake, which occurred at a depth of 54 kilometers, registered over six on Japan’s seven-point seismic intensity scale and triggered a tsunami warning that remained active for nearly six hours.

The back-to-back quakes have heightened anxiety among residents and raised concerns about continued seismic instability in the region.

Japan’s meteorological authorities say they are closely monitoring the latest seismic activity. Local government offices, emergency services, and coastal communities have been advised to stay alert as tsunami assessments continue.

Aomori Prefecture, situated in northern Honshu, lies near several active tectonic fault lines, making it one of Japan’s most earthquake-prone regions.

As of now, officials have not reported any structural damage, injuries, or disruptions, but further updates are expected as monitoring continues and inspection teams assess the impact. (ILKHA)