Earthquake Shakes Nagasaki and Kumamoto in Japan
Listen to the story
An earthquake struck southern Japan today, shaking parts of Nagasaki and Kumamoto prefectures. The earthquake had a magnitude of 4.9, according to reports.
The quake happened in the Amakusa and Ashikita region of Kumamoto prefecture. It caused shaking of intensity 4 in several cities, including Isahaya and Unzen in Nagasaki.
Local broadcaster NBC Nagasaki reported that dust rose from Mount Eboshi (also known as Mayuyama) in Isahaya city after the shaking. This showed how strong the earthquake felt in that area.
Officials confirmed there is no tsunami risk from this earthquake. A tsunami is a dangerous sea wave that can follow strong earthquakes, but this one was not strong enough to cause one.
Japan sits on several tectonic plates, which are large pieces of the Earth's crust. This makes earthquakes common across the country.
Intensity 4 means people can clearly feel the shaking, and objects like dishes may rattle, but serious damage is unlikely at this level. No injuries or damage have been reported so far.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation in case of aftershocks. Residents in the affected areas have been advised to stay alert but not to panic.
Vocabulary10 words
- earthquake
- sudden shaking of the ground
- magnitude
- a number that shows how big an earthquake is
- intensity
- how strong shaking feels in a place
- tsunami
- a big dangerous wave caused by an earthquake
- tectonic plates
- huge pieces of the Earth's outer layer
- damage
- harm done to things or buildings
- monitor
- to watch something closely over time
- aftershocks
- smaller earthquakes that come after a big one
- residents
- people who live in a place
- broadcaster
- a company that shares news on TV or radio
Quiz
Answer key
1. 4.9 2. Mount Eboshi (Mayuyama) 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
An _____ struck southern Japan today, shaking parts of Nagasaki and Kumamoto prefectures.
The earthquake had a _____ of 4.9, according to reports.
The quake happened in the Amakusa and Ashikita region, causing shaking of _____ 4.
Local broadcaster NBC Nagasaki reported that _____ rose from Mount Eboshi in Isahaya city.
Officials confirmed there is no _____ risk from this earthquake.
Japan sits on several _____, which makes earthquakes common.
No injuries or _____ have been reported so far.
Authorities continue to _____ the situation in case of aftershocks.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think earthquakes are common in Japan?
- How would you feel if you experienced an intensity 4 earthquake?
- Why is it important for officials to quickly say there is no tsunami risk?
- What steps do you think people should take after feeling an earthquake?