TOKYO: At least 37 people were injured after a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck near Tokyo early Sunday, causing strong shaking across the Japanese capital and surrounding areas and disrupting transport services.
The earthquake struck southern Ibaraki Prefecture at around 2am local time, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The quake occurred at a depth of 68 kilometres and there was no tsunami threat.
The US Geological Survey measured the earthquake at magnitude 5.8, while Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that at least 37 people sustained minor injuries.
Among the injured was a woman in her 80s in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, who fell and injured her hip while attempting to get out of bed following the tremors, according to local authorities and media reports.
Japan’s warning systems issued alerts following the earthquake, with public announcements and sirens heard in affected areas and emergency notifications sent to mobile phones.
The tremor also disrupted regional train services in Tokyo on Sunday morning, according to East Japan Railway Company.
A building in Saitama, north of Tokyo, sustained minor damage, while authorities were examining whether a burst water main in the capital was connected to the earthquake, Kyodo News reported.
The weather agency warned that the risk of landslides had increased because the earthquake may have destabilised soil following heavy rainfall in the region on Saturday.
Authorities also cautioned residents to remain alert for potentially strong aftershocks in the coming days.
Japan has experienced several significant earthquakes this year, including a magnitude 7.1 quake that struck southwestern Kyushu on July 28 and caused widespread damage.
