5.9-magnitude earthquake hits Tokyo, eastern Japan

At least 37 people were injured after a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Tokyo and large parts of eastern Japan early Sunday (August 23), causing strong tremors across the capital and surrounding areas.

The earthquake struck around 2am (local time), according to Japan's Meteorological Agency. The epicentre was in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, at a depth of about 70 kilometres.

Strong shaking was reported in Ibaraki, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo and Kanagawa prefectures. Authorities said there was no tsunami threat.

Most of the injuries occurred when people fell while getting out of bed after being jolted awake or collided with furniture and other objects during the shaking. Several people suffered serious injuries, although most injuries were relatively minor, local authorities said.

The earthquake also disrupted rail services in Tokyo and surrounding areas, with several train services delayed. Some infrastructure damage was reported, but no abnormalities were detected at nuclear power plants.

The Japanese government set up a special task force to assess the situation and gather information on damage. The Meteorological Agency also warned residents in affected areas to remain alert for aftershocks of up to lower-5 intensity over the next week.

Japan is frequently hit by earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific "Ring of Fire". The latest quake registered lower-5 intensity in parts of the Kanto region, including all 23 wards of Tokyo.

Source: AFP