3.4 magnitude earthquake shakes Minamata in Kumamoto in the early morningBy Jeronimo Santos
3 min read
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A magnitude 3.4 earthquake occurred in the early hours of March 21 in the city of Minamata, in the province of Kumamoto, in the Japão, causing no damage or injuries reported to date. The tremor had its epicenter in the Amakusa-Ashikita region, at a depth of around 10 kilometers, and was recorded at around 0:29 am local time. Agência Meteorológica of Japão confirmed that there is no tsunami risk associated with the seismic event.
The shock was felt with seismic intensity 3 in Minamata, including the districts of Makinouchi and the city center. In other nearby locations, such as Kamiamakusa, Ashikita, Tsunagi and Kuma, in the province of Kumamoto, the intensity reached 2. March.
Intensities recorded in different locations
The tremor generated moderate reactions among residents of Minamata and surrounding areas. Muitos reported that objects fell from shelves or that they felt an initial vertical rocking followed by horizontal oscillations. Não damage to buildings or critical infrastructure was reported. Autoridades locations carried out preventive inspections of homes and public roads shortly after the event.
The Amakusa-Ashikita region has recorded high seismic activity in recent weeks. Desde On March 15, more than 20 tremors of intensity 1 or higher were detected in the same area. One of the strongest occurred on the 15th, with magnitude 4.0 and maximum intensity 4 at Minamata, which led experts to reinforce precautionary recommendations.
Sequence of tremors in the region of Kumamoto
Recent seismic activity in the province of Kumamoto includes several events of low to moderate magnitude. Tremores with magnitude between 2.0 and 4.0 occurred on consecutive days, with epicenters concentrated in Amakusa-Ashikita. The shallow depth, generally around 10 kilometers, helps the tremors to be perceived more clearly in nearby locations.
Residents of Minamata and Tsunagi described the early morning tremor as sudden and brief. Alguns stated that the movement caused furniture to sway visibly, but without causing widespread panic. Equipes emergency services remained on alert to monitor possible aftershocks.

Recommendations from local authorities
Experts from Agência Meteorológica do Japão highlight that the region is part of a zone with potential for recurring seismic activity. Although the magnitude 3.4 tremor is considered low intensity in absolute terms, it is part of a pattern of tremors that requires continuous attention. Medidas preventive measures, such as fixing furniture and preparing emergency kits, continue to be targeted at the population.
The province of Kumamoto maintains constant monitoring of tectonic activity in the area. Não There are indications that the event is related to large active geological faults, but the possibility of additional tremors remains. Autoridades municipal districts of
Minimal impact reported on the population
No injuries or significant structural damage have been reported by authorities to date. Hospitais and local firefighters confirmed there were no calls related to the tremor. The daily routine in the city continued normally after the initial check of safety conditions.
The event reinforces the need to raise awareness in areas prone to earthquakes in Japão. Medidas Simple preparations continue to be emphasized to minimize risks in the event of more intense tremors in the future.
Recent seismic activity in detail
- Magnitude 3.4 with epicenter at Amakusa-Ashikita and depth of 10 km.
- Intensity 3 at Minamata (Makinouchi and center).
- Intensity 2 in Kamiamakusa, Ashikita, Tsunagi, Kuma and parts of Kagoshima.
- Intensity 1 in Yatsushiro, Hitoyoshi and other neighboring locations.
The tremor occurred in a context of multiple tremors in the same region in recent weeks, which keeps authorities on preventive alert.















