Tokyo, August 23: A powerful earthquake measuring 5.9 in magnitude struck Japan late Sunday night around 2 AM. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency and local officials, the tremors were felt in several areas surrounding Tokyo, resulting in injuries and disruptions to transportation services.
As reported by Kyodo News, the earthquake’s epicenter was located in the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, with a depth of approximately 68 kilometers. Fortunately, no tsunami warning was issued following the quake.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takichi shared information about the earthquake on social media. In a post on the platform ‘X’, she stated, “A quake centered in the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture occurred around 2 AM. Tremors of up to level 5 on the Japanese scale were felt in Tokyo’s 23 wards, as well as in Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba Prefectures. There is no tsunami threat following this earthquake.”
She confirmed that there were currently no reports of injuries or structural damage. However, assessments of the situation are ongoing, and relevant reports are being collected.
Takichi added, “The government promptly established a contact room at the Prime Minister’s crisis management center as soon as the earthquake struck. I have instructed officials to gather comprehensive information on the damage, provide timely and accurate updates to the public, and take necessary actions. The government is acting accordingly. I urge residents in areas that experienced strong tremors to remain vigilant. It is possible that another earthquake of similar intensity could occur, so caution is essential.”
According to Kyodo News, the earthquake’s intensity was recorded as ‘Lower 5’ on Japan’s 7-point seismic scale in some parts of Ibaraki Prefecture and central Tokyo.
Following the quake, some train services experienced delays, while others operated at reduced speeds, as reported by East Japan Railway and other operators. However, some express train services on the Tobu Railway remain suspended.
The operator of the Keisei Line, which connects Ueno Station in Tokyo to Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture, reported that services returned to normal after 9:40 AM.
Local fire departments reported several injuries, including a young man in Saitama, located north of Tokyo, and a woman around 70 years old. Additionally, three people were injured in Kawasaki, just south of the capital.
In Tokyo’s Koto Ward, a water pipe burst, and metropolitan authorities are investigating whether this damage was caused by the earthquake.
Lower 5 intensity was also recorded in parts of Saitama and Chiba Prefectures, while similar tremors were felt in the Adachi Ward of central Tokyo, with lesser intensity reported in other areas of the capital.
According to relevant operators, no abnormalities were detected at the Tokai No. 2 nuclear power plant in Ibaraki Prefecture, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, or the nearby Fukushima Daini plant.
The meteorological agency has urged residents to remain alert for the next week, especially considering the possibility of another ‘Lower 5’ level earthquake in the next two to three days. This earthquake was felt across a large part of the country, including northeastern and central Japan.
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