Magnitude 5.9 earthquake strikes near Tokyo, injures 37
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Train services disrupted after Tokyo-area earthquake.
- Water main ruptures as quake shakes Tokyo.
- Japan warns of aftershocks, rules out tsunami.
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck the southern region of Ibaraki Prefecture, just north of Tokyo, in the early hours of Sunday, August 23, leaving at least 37 people injured and disrupting public transit across the metropolitan area.
The quake occurred at 2:00 AM local time at a depth of 68 kilometers (42 miles), according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measured the tremor at magnitude 5.8.
The late-night shock triggered Japan’s automated Early Warning System, sounding public loudspeakers in street networks and sending emergency siren alerts to mobile phones throughout the capital.
Infrastructure disruptions
Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed that at least 37 individuals suffered minor injuries, primarily from falls during the shaking. Among those injured was an 80-year-old woman in Yokohama who suffered a hip injury after falling while attempting to get out of bed.
The East Japan Railway Company reported delays and cancellations across regional train lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area on Sunday morning as crews inspected tracks for structural safety.
Local emergency services in Saitama Prefecture reported minor structural damage to a commercial building, while municipal officials in Tokyo investigated whether a ruptured water main was directly triggered by the seismic activity.
JAPAN | M5.9 EARTHQUAKE STRIKES EASTERN JAPAN
— contentkikamii (@contentkikamii) August 23, 2026
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck southern Ibaraki Prefecture at around 2:00 AM local time on August 23 with strong tremors felt across parts of the Kanto region including Tokyo.
The Japan Meteorological Agency recorded a maximum… pic.twitter.com/JrWIABzLER
Authorities warn of aftershocks, landslide risks
Meteorologists confirmed that no tsunami warnings were issued following the deep-focus event.
However, JMA officials advised residents to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks over the coming days and warned of an elevated risk of landslides in areas where Saturday's torrential rain had already loosened hillside soil.
