Japan Hit By 5.9 Magnitude Earthquake, 5 Injured; Tokyo Homes Face Power Outages

Tokyo: A strong earthquake frightened people in the eastern part of Japan on Sunday morning. Earthquake tremors were felt in Tokyo and its surrounding areas early in the morning. The intensity of the earthquake is said to be 5.9. At least 5 people are reported injured in this accident. There was power failure in many areas and trains also got delayed. The good thing is that there is no danger of tsunami.

Where was the epicentre of the earthquake and at what depth?

According to the Japan Meteorological Department, the epicentre of the earthquake was in southern Ibaraki province. Its depth was about 70 kilometres. Japan is a very sensitive country in terms of earthquakes, tremors occur frequently here. The German Research Center has estimated its intensity as 5.8 and said that it occurred at a depth of 78 kilometres near the eastern coast of Honshu island. The Geological Survey of America has also reported a magnitude of 5.8.

In which areas were people injured?

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said that 5 people were injured in Ibaraki, Chiba and Saitama prefectures. These three areas are to the north-east of Tokyo. There are also reports of some more people being injured, officials said that information about the damage is being collected.

Was there a power failure in Tokyo?

About 460 houses in Tokyo lost power after the earthquake. Electricity company TEPCO said that electricity had returned everywhere by Sunday morning. A large water pipeline also burst in Tokyo's Koto ward. The roads were filled with water which caused a lot of trouble to the people.

Were the trains also affected?

The earthquake also affected the trains. Express trains connecting Tokyo and Narita airports were delayed. Local trains in north-eastern areas were also delayed. But it is a matter of relief that Japan's famous Shinkansen bullet train continued running on time. The railways immediately conducted safety checks and then resumed services. 

What steps did the government take?

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has immediately formed a special task force which will find out the damage. An emergency earthquake alert was also sent to people's mobile phones. Japan's Nuclear Department said that everything is normal in the country's 12 nuclear plants, there is no news of any disturbance from anywhere. At present the situation is under control. Officials are assessing the damage in every area. The government has said that people do not need to panic but remain alert.