5.9-magnitude earthquake strikes Japan

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 struck eastern Japan early Sunday, causing strong tremors felt across Tokyo and its neighboring prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the earthquake originated at a depth of 70 kilometers in the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provided a slightly lower magnitude reading of 5.8.

Initial reports indicate that at least five people sustained injuries across Ibaraki, Chiba, and Saitama prefectures. Local authorities are still gathering information to ascertain the full extent of casualties. The earthquake caused disruptions to some local train services, including delays on an express train connecting Tokyo and Narita airports. However, the Shinkansen bullet train services continued to operate without interruption.

Infrastructure was also affected, with an underground water pipe rupturing in Tokyo's Koto Ward. Power supplies were disrupted to approximately 460 households, though electricity services were reportedly restored by Sunday morning. Importantly, authorities confirmed there was no threat of a tsunami following the seismic activity. Furthermore, no irregularities were reported at any of Japan's nuclear power facilities.