TOKYO: A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck southern Ibaraki early Sunday, Aug. 23, shaking Tokyo and large parts of the Kanto region, triggering emergency alerts and causing strong jolts across several prefectures. Officials said there was no tsunami threat.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of roughly 70 kilometers, according to the the Japan Meteorological Agency. The strongest shaking reached lower 5 on Japan’s seven level seismic intensity scale in parts of Ibaraki, Saitama, Chiba and Tokyo.
Tokyo’s 23 wards experienced noticeable shaking, with some areas recording an intensity of 4. The tremor was also felt across Tochigi, Gunma, Kanagawa and other nearby areas.
JUST IN: A strong earthquake has struck Japan. pic.twitter.com/i72Mxuao33
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The quake triggered emergency alerts on mobile phones and other warning systems, giving residents an early warning as the shaking spread through the region. Japan’s Meteorological Agency urged people to remain cautious about possible aftershocks in the days ahead.
At least 37 people were injured across several prefectures, according to reports, with most injuries described as minor. Some people were hurt after being startled awake and falling or colliding with furniture. One elderly woman in Yokohama suffered a serious hip injury.
The earthquake also affected transportation in the Tokyo area. Several express trains were delayed, while Shinkansen bullet train services were not significantly affected, according to reports. Authorities also reported no irregularities at nuclear power plants.
The Japan Tourism Agency recommends its safety tips app for visitors and residents who want earthquake and tsunami alerts. The app provides emergency notifications, evacuation guidance and information about shaking across Japan.
The latest quake was one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the Kanto region in recent weeks. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as residents remain alert for possible aftershocks.
