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Strong Kanto quake injures dozens, triggering warnings of similar shaking over next week
The Japan Times • • world
Key Points:
- A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Tokyo and the Kanto region on Sunday, centered in southern Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of 68 kilometers, injuring at least 37 people, including one seriously.
- The quake registered a lower 5 intensity on Japan’s seven-point shindo scale in parts of Tokyo and neighboring prefectures, causing objects to fall and forcing people to steady themselves, with shaking lasting up to a minute.
- Damage included a partial ceiling collapse at Ushiku City Hall and reports of people trapped in elevators in Tokyo, though no tsunami alert was issued.
- The earthquake disrupted multiple JR East train lines across the Kanto region, and long-period ground motion caused significant swaying in high-rise buildings, making it difficult for people to stand.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged continued vigilance for potential aftershocks, confirmed damage assessment efforts, and established a liaison office at the Prime Minister’s Office Crisis Management Center to provide timely public information.
