Japan warns of further strong shaking after 5.9-magnitude quake injures dozens in Kanto

A magnitude 5.9 quake centered in southern Ibaraki Prefecture struck at a depth of 68 kilometres early Sunday, registering a lower-5 intensity on Japan’s shindo scale in Tokyo’s Adachi Ward and parts of Ibaraki, Saitama and Chiba. Level-4 shaking was also recorded in other areas of Tokyo, Tochigi, Gunma and Kanagawa. The Japan Meteorological Agency says lower-5 shaking can cause objects to fall from shelves and may require people to steady themselves.

The tremor lasted up to a minute in some locations and was preceded by early-warning alerts on mobile phones. Authorities reported 22 lightly injured persons in Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa and Ibaraki, and 15 injured in Tokyo, including one serious injury in Kanagawa. A partial ceiling collapse was observed at Ushiku City Hall, and there were reports of people trapped in elevators in Tokyo. No tsunami warning was issued.

Rail services were disrupted, with JR East noting delays on several lines, including the Joban, Keihin-Tohoku, Shonan-Shinjuku, Musashino and Chuo-Sobu lines. Level-2 long-period ground motion, which can cause high-rise buildings to sway, was detected in Tokyo’s 23 wards as well as Saitama and Chiba.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted on X that damage assessments were underway and a liaison office had been set up at the Crisis Management Center. > “To those in the areas where the shaking was strong, I ask that you continue to remain vigilant for the possibility of another earthquake of similar magnitude,” she wrote.