World · India Bureau
Strong Earthquake Strikes Japan's Northeast, Injures Over 20
A 5.9 magnitude earthquake rattled Japan's northeast region, leaving more than 20 people injured. The tremor struck in Ibaraki prefecture, one of Japan's most seismically active areas.
LSN India ·
A significant earthquake measuring 5.9 on the magnitude scale struck Japan's northeast on Thursday, causing injuries across the affected region. The tremor was centered in the southern part of Ibaraki prefecture at a depth of approximately 70 kilometres, according to seismic monitoring data.
Emergency services reported that over 20 people sustained injuries from the earthquake, though initial reports indicated no deaths from the incident. The impact was felt across multiple prefectures in the northeastern region, prompting authorities to activate emergency response protocols.
Ibaraki prefecture sits within one of the world's most tectonically active zones, experiencing frequent seismic events due to the complex interaction of several tectonic plates beneath Japan. The depth of the Thursday earthquake—70 kilometres below the surface—is typical for this region's geological characteristics.
Japanese authorities conducted rapid assessments of critical infrastructure, including power facilities, transportation networks, and medical facilities. Building damage reports were still being compiled as rescue and response teams continued their work across the affected areas.