Strong earthquake hits Noto region in central Japan

A strong earthquake hit the Noto region in central Japan. No tsunami alert has been issued. The magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck the Noto region in Ishikawa Prefecture, shortly after 3 p.m. today. The quake registered a lower 6 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale of zero to 7 at Suzu City. Noto Town registered lower 5, and the city of Wajima recorded 4. Japan’s Meteorological Agency says the quake was at a depth of about 10 kilometers. The city registered a quake with an intensity of lower than five in September last year. Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says the government has set up a task force at his office.