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Earthquake measuring 5.9 magnitude struck eastern Japan (Img: X)
New Delhi: A moderate earthquake measuring 5.9 magnitude struck eastern Japan, including the Tokyo region, early Sunday morning, leaving at least 23 people injured and disrupting train services. No tsunami warning was issued after the tremors.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake struck southern Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of around 70 kilometres. The tremors were felt across a wide area, including Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa.
Officials said 23 people were injured in four prefectures following the earthquake. Several injuries occurred after residents fell or collided with furniture while reacting to the sudden shaking.
A woman in her 80s in Yokohama suffered a serious hip injury after falling from her bed during the tremors, according to reports.
The earthquake triggered emergency alerts on mobile phones across affected areas, warning residents about the strong tremors. Many people were jolted awake as the shaking struck during the early morning hours.
The Japanese government activated a task force to assess the situation and monitor possible damage.
The earthquake affected several railway services in eastern Japan. Express trains connecting Tokyo and Narita Airport, along with some local train services, faced delays as authorities carried out safety checks.
However, Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train services continued operating normally.
The tremors caused an underground water pipe to rupture in Tokyo’s Koto Ward, leading to water leakage on the road. The issue was later repaired.
Temporary power outages were also reported in parts of Tokyo, though electricity supply was restored later. Officials confirmed that no abnormalities were detected at nuclear facilities in the affected region.
Japan, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” frequently experiences seismic activity. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious and stay alert for possible aftershocks following the earthquake.
The latest quake has once again highlighted Japan’s constant challenge of preparing for natural disasters while ensuring public safety during seismic events.
