TOKYO, July 2 (Xinhua) -- An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.5 struck off Tokara islands in southern Japan on Wednesday, the country's weather agency said.
The temblor occurred at 3:26 p.m. local time, originating at a depth of approximately 10 km, said the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
The quake's epicenter was located at a latitude of 29.2 degrees north and a longitude of 129.2 degrees east.
Toshima village in Kagoshima prefecture experienced a seismic intensity of lower 5 on the Japanese scale of 7. Other areas that registered an intensity of 3 or higher were currently being monitored.
Authorities advise residents to stay alert for further information and potential aftershocks.
Since late June, a persistent earthquake swarm has rattled Tokara Islands, including Toshima village, in Kagoshima prefecture. ■
