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Magnitude 5.9 quake injures 37 in Japan
An early-morning earthquake shook Tokyo and nearby prefectures, injuring 37 people and disrupting rail travel.
What happened
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck southern Ibaraki early on 23 August, shaking Tokyo and nearby prefectures. Thirty-seven people were injured, mainly in falls or collisions with household objects. Rail services were delayed or slowed, and a water pipe ruptured in Tokyo. Japan issued no tsunami alert and reported no nuclear-plant abnormalities.
Numbers
- 5.9Reported magnitude of the earthquake
- 37Injuries counted across five prefectures
- 68 kmDepth reported by weather agency
Questions
- Where was shaking strongest?
- The highest recorded shaking was lower 5 on Japan’s seven-level intensity scale, in parts of Ibaraki, Saitama, Chiba and central Tokyo.
- How were most people injured?
- Most injuries occurred when people awakened during the night fell or struck furniture and doors; cases were counted across five prefectures.
- Why were residents urged to stay alert?
- The weather agency urged residents to watch for another lower-5 tremor over the following week, especially during the first two to three days.
- What happened to train services?
- Several train services were delayed, some ran at reduced speed, and certain Tobu Railway express services remained halted after the shaking.
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The catch
Early reports gave different injury totals, so the final number and full damage assessment remain unclear.
Figures reflected initial official counts.