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5.5-Magnitude earthquake strikes off the coast of Japan

The U.S. Geological Survey considers the area where the earthquake occurred, known as the Kuril-Kamchatka arc, "one of the most seismically active regions in the world."

By JC Finley
A 5.5-magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast of Japan on Dec. 19, 2014. U.S. Geological Survey
A 5.5-magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast of Japan on Dec. 19, 2014. U.S. Geological Survey

TOKYO, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's coast Friday evening at 5:49 p.m. local time.

There were no reports of damage or injuries at sea or inland.

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According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake depth was measured at 19.6 miles.

The epicenter was approximately 40 miles south of Nemuro and 577 miles north-northeast of Tokyo.

"This earthquake poses no tsunami risk," Japan's Meteorological Agency stated.

USGS describes the area where the earthquake occurred, known as the Kuril-Kamchatka arc, as "one of the most seismically active regions in the world." Seven earthquakes at a magnitude of 8.3 or larger have occurred along the arc since 1900.

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