Tokyo (International News Desk): A moderate earthquake measuring magnitude 5.9 struck eastern Japan and shook parts of the Tokyo metropolitan area on Sunday, leaving at least 23 individuals injured across four prefectures. Authorities confirmed that the seismic event generated no tsunami threat along the nation’s coastline.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the tremor originated in southern Ibaraki Prefecture at an estimated depth of 70 kilometres, whereas the US Geological Survey registered a preliminary magnitude of 5.8. Casualty tallies released by local officials revealed nine injuries in Saitama, nine in Kanagawa, four in Chiba, and one in Ibaraki. Most residents sustained cuts and bruises after falling or colliding with household furniture, with several people hurt while scrambling from bed in panic during the sudden shaking.
Public transit faced notable disruptions in the wake of the temblor, with delays affecting multiple regional commuter lines alongside express trains connecting central Tokyo and Narita Airport. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the formation of a dedicated government task force to monitor ongoing developments and evaluate the full scope of structural impacts. The event follows a severe magnitude 7.1 earthquake that rocked the Kumamoto region on Kyushu last month, which claimed 38 lives and injured hundreds.
