- Earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 struck eastern Japan early Sunday, with its epicenter in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
- The quake was felt across a broad area of Japan, including its northeastern and central regions.
- Parts of Ibaraki Prefecture and central Tokyo recorded an intensity of lower 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale of 7.
- The earthquake also disrupted railway operations, with some train services delayed, according to JR East and other operators.
- At least 37 people suffered minor injuries, and a water main ruptured in Tokyo's Koto ward.
- Operators of nuclear facilities in the affected region reported no abnormalities at the Tokai No 2 nuclear power plant in Ibaraki Prefecture, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, or the nearby Fukushima Daini plant.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructed officials to assess damage and provide timely information.
- The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of possible lower 5 quakes over the next week, especially in the next two to three days.
A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Japan early Sunday, with its epicenter in southern Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of 68km. The quake registered lower 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale in parts of Ibaraki and central Tokyo, causing significant disruption.13
The earthquake was felt across a broad area, prompting delays in train services operated by JR East and other companies. Some express services remained halted, while the Keisei Line connecting Ueno in Tokyo to Narita airport resumed normal operations after 9:40 am.2
In total, at least 37 people suffered minor injuries, including a young man and a woman in her 70s in Saitama, and three individuals in Kawasaki. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed these injuries, highlighting the quake's impact on local communities.56
In Tokyo's Koto ward, a water main ruptured, raising concerns about potential damage linked to the earthquake. However, operators of nuclear facilities in the region, including the Tokai No. 2 plant and the Fukushima Daiichi plant, reported no abnormalities.7
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has instructed officials to assess the damage and provide timely updates to the public. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that further earthquakes reaching an intensity of lower 5 could occur over the next week, urging caution during the next two to three days.8
“At least 37 people suffered minor injuries, including a young man and a woman in her 70s in Saitama, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of possible lower 5 quakes over the next week, urging caution for the next two to three days.”
