6.0 5.9 magnitude earthquakes strike Japan:Over 40 injured; aftershocks possible over next week, 7-day warning for quakes issued

An earthquake of 6.0 has struck Japan near the coast of Urakawa at around 8 pm (IST), the Japan Meteorological Agency reported. Earlier, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck near the surrounding areas near the Kanto region of Japan’s capital, Tokyo, on Sunday. This caused injuries to at least 40 people, one of whom was in serious condition. According to The Japan Times, authorities have urged people to remain alert for similarly strong earthquakes over the next week. The earthquake’s epicentre was in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, at a depth of around 68 kilometres. The tremor was felt across a wide area and lasted for about a minute. No tsunami warning was issued following the quake. Pictures related to the earthquake… Train services affected after earthquake The earthquake also disrupted rail services across the Kanto region. According to The Japan Times, several train lines experienced delays on Sunday morning, including the Joban, Keihin-Tohoku, Shonan-Shinjuku, Musashino, and Chuo-Sobu lines. Long-period ground motion was also recorded in Tokyo’s 23 wards, as well as in Saitama and Chiba. Such tremors can cause tall buildings to sway for an extended period. People on upper floors may have difficulty standing, while furniture and other objects could also be knocked over. Prime Minister urges people to remain vigilant Following the earthquake, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on social media that authorities were assessing the damage. A liaison office was also set up at the Crisis Management Centre of the Prime Minister’s Office. Takaichi instructed officials to provide the public with accurate information in a timely manner. She urged people in areas that experienced strong tremors to remain particularly vigilant, warning that another earthquake of similar strength could occur within the next week. ​