Tokyo, 23 August 2026: A powerful earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck Tokyo and eastern areas of Japan in the early morning. More than 20 people are reported to have been injured in this incident, most of whom have suffered minor injuries. No tsunami warning has been given after the earthquake.
According to the Japan Meteorological Department, this earthquake occurred in southern Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of about 70 kilometers (42 miles). The United States Geological Survey measured its primary magnitude at 5.8. This area is one of those parts of Japan where earthquakes occur frequently.
Delay in trains due to earthquake
According to East Japan Railway Company, the earthquake caused delays to express trains running between Tokyo and Narita Airport, as well as other local trains in the north-eastern region, but Shinkansen Bullet trains were operating normally.
Authorities took immediate action after the earthquake; Prime Minister Sana Takaichi told that the government has formed a team for relief operations. Some infrastructure has been affected due to the earthquake.
Electricity failure in 460 houses
A part of the road was submerged in water due to a burst underground water pipe in Tokyo's Koto Ward. After repairs the water leakage was stopped. According to TEPCO Power Grid, power supply to about 460 homes in Tokyo was also lost, although power service was restored by Sunday morning.
It is noteworthy that this earthquake occurred just a few weeks after a very powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.1 occurred in the Kumamoto area of Kyushu, the southernmost main island of Japan. In that disaster, 38 people died, 364 people were injured and more than 1500 buildings were destroyed.
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