Earthquake in Hiroshima Prefecture 11/21

NHK reported an earthquake at about 7:15 PM (JST) Monday evening in the center of Hiroshima Prefecture. As this is next to Okayama Prefecture, we post what is known at this point. The police center from Okayama and Kurashiki have not received reports of damage. The US Geological Survey initially shows the magnitude of 4.9 (Rickter scale). The Japanese intensity scale was shown as 5- at the epicenter, 3 * in the vicintiy of Okayama. Okayama airport has closed for inspection at this time (~ 3:30PM PST). If any significant information becomes available, we will post as an update to this posting.

On the Japanese Seismic Scale, a level 3 has these characteristics:

Felt by most people indoors. Some people are frightened.

Dishes in a cupboard rattle occasionally.

Electric wires swing slightly.