Tokyo and the surrounding areas of eastern Japan were rattled by a powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2.
The quake struck at 7:03 p.m. local time, causing widespread shaking in the region.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the seismic intensity registered a lower 5 on the Japanese scale of 7 in parts of Ibaraki and Chiba prefectures.
Despite the significant tremors, the weather agency assured that there was no immediate threat of a tsunami.
Temporary Disruptions and Transportation Halts: Impact on Bullet Trains
As a result of the earthquake, there were temporary disruptions and halts in transportation systems.
East Japan Railway Co announced that bullet trains on the Hokuriku, Joetsu, and Tohoku Shinkansen lines were halted for approximately 10 minutes due to a temporary blackout caused by the tremors.
These safety precautions were implemented to ensure the well-being of passengers and to assess any potential damages. However, no casualties were reported in connection with the earthquake.
Assessing Safety and Reacting Swiftly: Post-Earthquake Updates
Despite the intensity of the earthquake, there have been no immediate reports of casualties.
The affected areas, including central Tokyo, Yokohama, and Saitama, experienced an intensity of 3, reflecting the localized impact of the tremors.
The epicenter of the quake was located approximately 50 kilometers off the east coast of Chiba, with a focus at a depth of about 50 kilometers.
Authorities promptly responded to the situation, ensuring the safety of the public and closely monitoring critical infrastructures such as nuclear power plants.