Earthquake Shakes Eastern Japan, Over 30 Injured

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 struck eastern Japan early Sunday, impacting the Tokyo area. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake’s epicenter was located in the southern Ibaraki prefecture, 70 kilometers in depth. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the magnitude as 5.8.

No tsunami warning was issued, but the quake injured at least 37 people across five prefectures. Reported injuries included 15 in Tokyo, nine in Saitama, eight in Kanagawa, four in Chiba, and one in Ibaraki. Most injuries were minor, resulting from falls or collisions with furniture during the initial shock.

A woman in her 80s in Yokohama suffered a severe hip injury after falling from her bed. In Tokyo’s Taito district, a 23-year-old man experienced a sudden vertical jolt while shopping, prompting fears of falling items.

The seismic activity affected transportation, leading to express train delays servicing Tokyo and Narita Airport. Local trains in the northeast experienced interruptions, although Shinkansen bullet trains remained operational, according to East Japan Railway Co.

The government, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, has established a task force to evaluate damage. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned the public to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks throughout the week. Emergency alerts were triggered on mobile devices, and significant shaking was felt across Tokyo.

NHK public television reported normal road traffic in cities such as Mito and Saitama. An underground water pipe ruptured in Tokyo’s Koto ward, but it has since been repaired.

There were no irregularities detected at nuclear plants or facilities handling nuclear materials, as confirmed by the Nuclear Regulation Authority.

In comparison, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto on Kyushu island last month, resulting in 38 deaths and 364 injuries.