Magnitude 5.9 earthquake shakes northeast Japan injuring at least 5

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Japan early Sunday, causing injuries to at least five individuals, according to officials. The quake did not pose a tsunami threat. The epicenter was located in southern Ibaraki prefecture at a depth of 70 kilometers, a region frequently affected by seismic activity, as reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The US Geological Survey recorded a preliminary magnitude of 5.8.

At least five people sustained injuries across Ibaraki, Chiba, and Saitama prefectures, northeast of Tokyo, as stated by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Further injuries are under investigation by the agency. The earthquake disrupted express trains serving Tokyo and Narita Airport, as well as local trains in the northeastern regions, although Shinkansen bullet trains continued to operate normally, reported East Japan Railway Co.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi established a task force to evaluate the potential damage extent, as announced on X. Emergency quake alerts were triggered on mobile phones following the tremor.