Tokya: A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck eastern Japan, including the greater Tokyo metropolitan area, on Sunday, leaving at least 23 people injured across four prefectures. Officials confirmed shortly after the tremor that there was no threat of a tsunami along the coast.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicentre was located in southern Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of approximately 70 kilometres, while the United States Geological Survey recorded a preliminary magnitude of 5.8. Emergency officials confirmed that injuries were spread across the region, with nine people injured in Saitama, nine in Kanagawa, four in Chiba, and one in Ibaraki. Most injuries occurred when startled residents fell, collided with furniture, or tripped while rushing out of bed during the strong shaking.
The tremor caused widespread disruptions to regional transit networks, leading to delays on express train lines serving central Tokyo and Narita Airport, as well as multiple local commuter lines across northeastern areas. In response to the incident, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the establishment of an official government task force to monitor conditions, coordinate emergency response efforts, and evaluate structural impacts.
