Strong and shallow M6.1 earthquake hits Southwestern Ryukyu Islands, Japan

Epicenter of M6.1 earthquake in Southwestern Ryukyu Islands, Japan on July 3, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google The epicenter was located 137 km (85 miles) SSW of Hirara (population 34 354), 138 km (86 miles) SSW of Miyakojima (population 54 908), 188 km (117 miles) E of Itoman (population 57 184), 191 km (118 miles) E of Tomigusuku (population 55 715), and 191 km (118 miles) E of Naha (population 317 405), Okinawa, Japan. 572 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking, and 553 000 people felt weak. The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage. Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry construction. Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking Selected cities exposed Regional seismicity References: 1 M6.1 earthquake Southwestern Ryukyu Islands, Japan – USGS – July 3, 2026 2 M6.1 earthquake Southwestern Ryukyu Islands, Japan – EMSC – July 3, 2026 Rishav Kothari I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.