A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck eastern Japan early Sunday, specifically impacting Tokyo and surrounding prefectures. The tremor occurred at 2:00 a.m. local time near Ibaraki Prefecture, approximately 68 kilometers deep.
Injuries and Infrastructure Damage Reported
Initial reports indicate multiple injuries, including two individuals in Saitama and three in Kawasaki. Additionally, a water main burst in Tokyo’s Koto Ward, raising concerns about potential infrastructure damage.
I have instructed officials to ascertain the extent of the damage from the quake and provide timely information to the public.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
- Lower 5 intensity recorded in central Tokyo and parts of Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
- Train services experienced delays, with JR East and other operators reporting disruptions.
No abnormalities were detected at major nuclear facilities, including the Tokai No. 2 plant and Fukushima Daiichi, according to their operators.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has urged residents to remain vigilant for aftershocks, advising that lower 5 intensity quakes could occur over the next few days.
The earthquake's effects were felt across a large region of Japan, including areas as far as northern and central parts of the country, prompting a swift response from local authorities.