Moderate M5.5 earthquake hits near Noda, Japan
A moderate M5.5 earthquake struck near Noda, Japan, at 10:46 UTC on June 16, 2026. The event was located approximately 4 km (2 miles) northwest of Noda at a depth of 71.8 km (44.6 miles).
The coordinates of the quake were 36.0°N, 139.8°E. This area is situated inland in eastern Japan, within a region known for its seismic activity. Noda is a municipality in northern Chiba Prefecture, which is part of Greater Tokyo and surrounded by several towns and cities with dense populations.
Critical infrastructure in this part of Japan may include major rail lines, highways, and power transmission facilities serving the Greater Tokyo area, as well as local public transportation networks and urban utilities.
This earthquake was not offshore, and there is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.
USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The maximum estimated intensity reached approximately V (5) on the Modified Mercalli scale, and 29 felt reports were received. The significance index is 479 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
Japan is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Pacific Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate, resulting in frequent seismic activity. Central and eastern Japan experience numerous earthquakes due to complex tectonic interactions in this region.
This information was last updated at 11:13 UTC on June 16, 2026.