Magnitude 5.9 earthquake jolts eastern Japan, injuring over 20 people

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck eastern Japan early Sunday, injuring more than 20 people and disrupting transportation, local media reported, citing the country’s weather agency and local authorities.

No tsunami alert was issued after the quake, which originated in the southern part of Ibaraki prefecture at a depth of 68 kilometers (42 miles), Tokyo-based Kyodo News reported, quoting the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The tremor registered lower 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 in parts of the prefecture as well as in central Tokyo.

More than 20 people were injured, including a young man and a woman in her 70s in Saitama, north of Tokyo, as well as nine people in Kanagawa and four in Chiba prefectures.

Several train services were delayed following the quake, while some trains ran at reduced speeds.

Some express services operated by Tobu Railway remained halted.

An intensity of lower 5 was also recorded in parts of Saitama and Chiba prefectures and central Tokyo.

No abnormalities were detected at the Tokai No. 2 nuclear power plant in Ibaraki prefecture or the disaster-stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant and the nearby Fukushima Daini plant in northeastern Japan.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructed officials to ascertain the extent of the damage from the quake and provide timely information to the public.

The weather agency urged the public to remain alert for an earthquake registering lower 5 on the seismic intensity scale over the next week, especially during the next two to three days.

The latest quake was felt across a wide swath of the country, including northeastern and central Japan.