Earthquake: 5.7 Magnitude Quake Strikes Japan Hokkaido

A powerful earthquake today measuring 5.7 magnitude struck Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido on Friday, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km, making it strong enough to be felt across parts of the region. Fortunately, authorities have reported no casualties or significant damage so far.

Japan, known for being in one of the world’s most active seismic zones, experiences frequent tremors due to its location along major tectonic plate boundaries. With the densest seismic network in the world, Japan can record even the slightest earthquakes, helping ensure swift alerts and effective disaster preparedness.

Meanwhile, another earthquake today measuring 3.7 magnitude hit regions along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, as confirmed by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The quake struck at 10:14 a.m. IST at a shallow depth of 10 km, making it prone to aftershocks. The NCS posted on X (formerly Twitter), “EQ of M: 3.7, On: 24/10/2025 10:14:26 IST, Lat: 36.64 N, Long: 72.77 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Pakistan.” Fortunately, no injuries or damage were reported in the region.

Earlier this week, a 4.3 magnitude earthquake had also shaken parts of Afghanistan, while Tibet experienced multiple tremors in recent days — one measuring 3.6 magnitude and another 4.0 magnitude. The Tibetan Plateau, known for its geological activity, often experiences quakes due to the collision of tectonic plates. In 2008, the region witnessed several major earthquakes ranging from 5.9 to 7.1 magnitude, showing how active this zone continues to be.

According to experts, shallow earthquakes like those recorded today are more dangerous because their seismic waves reach the surface faster, causing stronger ground shaking. This makes them capable of inflicting more damage despite having moderate magnitudes. The World Bank recently highlighted the potential devastation of such events, noting that the August 31 earthquake in Afghanistan caused an estimated $183 million in physical damage to buildings and infrastructure.

The pattern of earthquake activity seen across Japan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tibet this week underscores how vulnerable many parts of Asia remain to seismic events. As tectonic plates continue to shift, experts emphasize the importance of preparedness, infrastructure safety, and real-time monitoring to reduce future risks.

While there have been no major casualties reported from the earthquake today, the series of tremors across Asia serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the need for constant vigilance in earthquake-prone regions.