Great Hanshin Earthquake - Foreshocks and Aftershocks

Foreshocks and Aftershocks

The Mj 7.3 earthquake struck at 05:46 JST on the morning of January 17, 1995. It lasted for 20 seconds. During this time the south side of the Nojima Fault moved 1.5m to the right and 1.2 meters downwards. This was because the earthquake's focus was so near the surface and its epicenter so near to Kobe.

There were four foreshocks, beginning with the largest (Mj 3.7) at 18:28 on the previous day.

Within five weeks, about 50 aftershocks (Mj 4.0 or greater) were observed.

By May 23, 1995: 1983 aftershocks in total, 249 felt.
By Oct. 31, 1995: 2309 aftershocks in total, 302 felt.
By Oct. 31, 1996: 2522 aftershocks in total, 408 felt.

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