The key facts

  • Japan's Meteorological Agency issued a warning at 12:40 (03:40 GMT) about a magnitude 9.9 earthquake near the Kuril Islands and canceled it eight minutes later.
  • The USGS recorded an earthquake of magnitude 6.9.
  • The agency apologized; the cause of the overstated magnitude is being investigated; a cyberattack has been ruled out.

Erroneous warning canceled after eight minutes

Japan's Meteorological Agency issued an emergency earthquake warning on Friday predicting a magnitude 9.9 tremor near the Kuril Islands, but quickly canceled it. According to Fuji News Network, the warning was issued at 12:40 (03:40 GMT) and canceled eight minutes later.

Actual magnitude was 6.9

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded an earthquake of magnitude 6.9 in the area. The agency explained the cancellation of the warning, according to Livedoor News, as an 'overstatement of the magnitude'.

Apology and investigation into the cause

During an afternoon press conference, the agency apologized for the incident and said the cause of the overstated magnitude is being investigated. It also stated that the possibility of a cyberattack has been ruled out.