A moderate earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.5 struck eastern Japan on Tuesday evening, rattling the Tokyo region and causing temporary disruptions to the country's transportation network. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the quake occurred at 7:46 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located in Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo, at a depth of approximately 50 kilometers.
Seismic Intensity and Impact
The earthquake registered a lower 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, which has a maximum of 7, in neighboring Gunma and Saitama prefectures. In Ibaraki Prefecture, the intensity was recorded at 4. Despite the shaking, no damages or injuries were reported, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
Transportation Disruptions
Bullet train services on the Tohoku Shinkansen Line between Tokyo and Shin-Shirakawa stations were temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure. Services resumed approximately 25 minutes after the quake. The Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen Lines also experienced brief halts but later resumed normal operations.
Nuclear Facilities Unaffected
The Tokai No. 2 nuclear power station, located in Ibaraki Prefecture and operated by Japan Atomic Power Co., reported no anomalies following the earthquake. No tsunami warning was issued by the meteorological agency.
