Moderate quakes rock chain of Japanese islands

From CNN Tokyo Bureau Chief Marina Kamimura

TOKYO, Japan (CNN) -- A series of moderate earthquakes, the largest reaching a magnitude of 5.2, rocked Japan's Izu chain of islands Monday south of Tokyo. There were no reports of injuries.

The largest temblor struck off the coasts of the Nii and Kozu islands at 7:49 a.m. local time (2249 GMT on Sunday). Minor quakes had been reported at 6 a.m., and 18 quakes that could be felt by humans had been registered between 7 and 9 a.m.

The quakes were also felt on Miyake, the island which was recently evacuated by Japanese officials due to several volcanic eruptions by Mount Oyama.

Officials warned residents on Monday about possible landslides as heavy rains from a typhoon heading toward Japan were forecast for the area.

Seismic activity has rocked the region almost continuously since the end of June, shortly before Mount Oyama first erupted. However, Meteorological Agency officials said August 29 was the last time a similar magnitude quake had hit the island chain.

Seismologists said the volcanic and seismic activity has been caused by the movements of a pool of magma near the volcano but below the ocean floor.

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USGS National Earthquake Information Center
Global Earthquake Response Center

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