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🇸🇬 Singapore /Disasters & Emergencies

5.9-magnitude earthquake strikes eastern Japan, strong jolt felt in Tokyo

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Japan early on August 23, with strong tremors felt in Tokyo.
  • The quake originated in southern Ibaraki prefecture at a depth of 68km, registering a lower 5 on the seismic intensity scale in some areas.
  • Multiple injuries were reported, and authorities are investigating a ruptured water main in Tokyo; nuclear plants reported no abnormalities.

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 struck eastern Japan early on August 23, shaking the capital Tokyo.

The 2am (1am Singapore time) quake originated in the southern part of Ibaraki prefecture at a depth of 68km, registering lower 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale in parts of the prefecture as well as in central Tokyo.

— The weather agencyReporting the origin and intensity of the earthquake.

The quake originated in the southern part of Ibaraki prefecture at a depth of 68 kilometers. It registered a lower 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale in parts of Ibaraki and central Tokyo. The Japan Meteorological Agency stated the earthquake posed no tsunami threat.

Several people sustained injuries. These included a young man and a woman in her 70s in Saitama, and three individuals in Kawasaki, both areas near Tokyo. Local fire departments confirmed the injuries.

Multiple people were injured in the earthquake, including a young man and a woman in her 70s in Saitama, near Tokyo, as well as three people in Kawasaki, just south of Tokyo, according to local fire departments.

— Local fire departmentsDetailing the human impact of the earthquake.

In Tokyo's Koto ward, a water main ruptured. Metropolitan authorities are examining whether the damage is linked to the earthquake. No abnormalities were detected at the Tokai No. 2 nuclear power plant in Ibaraki prefecture, nor at the Fukushima Daiichi and Fukushima Daini plants to the north, according to their operators.

In Tokyo’s Koto ward, a water main ruptured, prompting metropolitan authorities to look into whether the damage was linked to the quake.

— Unspecified sourceDescribing infrastructure damage potentially caused by the earthquake.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructed officials to assess the damage and provide timely public information. The Japan Meteorological Agency advised the public to remain alert for aftershocks, particularly in the next two to three days.

No abnormalities were detected at the Tokai No. 2 nuclear power plant in Ibaraki prefecture, according to its operator. No abnormalities were also reported at the disaster-struck Fukushima Daiichi plant and the nearby Fukushima Daini nuclear power plant, both north of the prefecture, according to their operator.

— Plant operatorsConfirming the safety of nuclear facilities following the earthquake.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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