noun
moderate earthquake
A seismic intensity level (around 4 on the JMA scale) indicating a moderately strong earthquake that is clearly felt and may cause minor damage.
昨夜、東北地方で中震が観測された。
A moderate earthquake was observed in the Tohoku region last night.
中震では、棚の物が落ちることがある。
During a moderate earthquake, items on shelves may fall.
強震 is a stronger earthquake (around JMA 5), causing more significant shaking and potential damage compared to 中震.
Compound of 中 (moderate) and 震 (earthquake), used in Japanese seismic intensity classification.