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Earthquake injures at least 37 near Tokyo
The overnight earthquake injured people, delayed trains and ruptured a Tokyo water main, but created no tsunami threat.
What happened
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck southern Ibaraki before dawn on August 23, shaking Tokyo and nearby prefectures. At least 37 people were injured, most lightly. No tsunami warning was issued. Train services were delayed, and a water main ruptured in Tokyo’s Koto ward. Authorities began damage assessments and warned of aftershocks.
Numbers
- 5.9Preliminary magnitude recorded by agencies
- At least 37People reported injured across region
- 68 kmDepth beneath southern Ibaraki
- Lower 5Peak Japanese seismic intensity recorded
Questions
- How did most injuries occur?
- Officials said many people fell or struck furniture and doors after waking suddenly and getting out of bed.
- What did the intensity rating mean?
- The lower-5 Japanese intensity indicated shaking strong enough that people may need support and unsecured objects can fall from shelves.
- Which areas recorded injuries?
- Officials counted injuries across Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa, Chiba and Ibaraki, with Tokyo recording the largest prefectural total.
- What if aftershocks follow?
- The weather agency warned that aftershocks could occur during the following week while authorities continue assessing damage across affected areas.
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The catch
Injury totals changed as authorities reported updates, and the full extent of property damage remains unclear.