A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck near Tokyo early today, leaving at least 37 people with minor injuries and disrupting transport services across parts of the densely populated metropolitan area.
The tremor struck southern Ibaraki Prefecture at around 2am local time, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The earthquake was recorded at a depth of 68 kilometres, while the United States Geological Survey estimated its magnitude at 5.8.
Strong shaking was felt across Tokyo and neighbouring areas, triggering emergency warning systems, public announcements and street sirens. Residents in affected locations also received alerts on their mobile phones as authorities responded to the sudden tremor.
The JMA said there was no tsunami threat following the earthquake, easing concerns of further danger along coastal areas.
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that at least 37 people suffered minor injuries. The most serious case involved a woman in her 80s in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, who fell and injured her hip while attempting to get out of bed during the shaking.
The earthquake also affected morning travel, with regional train services in Tokyo disrupted, according to East Japan Railway Company. A building in Saitama, north of the capital, was also reported to have sustained minor damage.
Authorities were additionally investigating whether a burst water main in a neighbourhood in Tokyo was connected to the earthquake, Kyodo News reported.
The JMA warned that the shaking may have loosened soil in affected areas, increasing the risk of landslides, particularly after the region experienced heavy rainfall the previous day.
Residents have also been urged to remain alert for potentially strong aftershocks over the coming days as authorities continue monitoring the situation.
