M5.9 Earthquake Shakes Eastern Japan, Dozens Injured
The Japan Meteorological Agency warns further lower-5 quakes are possible so officials are conducting safety inspections of rail lines, nuclear plants and major tourist sites.
Overview
- A magnitude-5.9 quake struck southern Ibaraki about 68 kilometers deep around 2:00 a.m. Sunday and emergency alerts were issued as shaking hit parts of greater Tokyo.
- Local authorities reported more than 40 people hurt across Tokyo and neighboring prefectures and emergency crews responded to isolated damage such as a ruptured water pipe in Koto Ward.
- Train operators including JR East, Keisei and Tobu paused or slowed services for safety checks with Keisei restored by midmorning while some Tobu express runs stayed suspended.
- Operators inspected Tokai No. 2, Fukushima Daiichi and Fukushima Daini nuclear plants and reported no abnormalities after the quake.
- Guests at Tokyo Disney Resort felt strong shaking, both parks reopened the same day, and resort managers are reviewing unconfirmed reports of minor damage as officials warn of possible aftershocks over the coming week.