M5.9 quake strikes eastern Japan including Tokyo, disrupting trains
A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Japan early Sunday, causing minor injuries and temporary transportation disruptions in Tokyo and surrounding prefectures. No tsunami warning was issued, and nuclear facilities in the region reported no abnormalities.
Why it matters
Frequent seismic activity in Japan requires constant monitoring of infrastructure and public safety, particularly regarding nuclear power plant stability.
TOKYO - An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 hit eastern Japan early Sunday, causing injuries in prefectures neighboring Tokyo and disrupting transportation, the weather agency and local authorities said.
The 2:00 a.m. quake, which originated in the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of 68 kilometers, did not trigger a tsunami, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
The temblor registered lower 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 in parts of the prefecture as well as in central Tokyo. A lower 5 quake is defined by the agency as shaking that causes most
people to be frightened and to hold on to something stable, while objects may fall from shelves.
The start of some train services was delayed following the quake, while some trains ran at reduced speeds, JR East and other operators.
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