Magnitude 5.3 qarthquake jolts Tokyo following megaquake advisory

New Delhi: A magnitude 5.3 earthquake shook Tokyo and eastern Japan on Friday evening, just a day after the government issued an unprecedented advisory regarding the risk of a major earthquake in the country's west. The tremor caused buildings in the capital to sway, but there were no immediate reports of significant damage.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed the nation from his Tokyo office shortly after the quake, assuring the public that the government had not received any reports of major damage. "We are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond if necessary," Kishida stated, emphasizing the government's commitment to public safety.

Immediate impact of earthquake

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the earthquake affected Tokyo and surrounding regions, including Kanagawa, Saitama, Yamanashi, and Shizuoka prefectures. Despite the strong tremor warning, no tsunami alert was issued, and services in the region were largely unaffected. Tokyo Metro briefly halted operations on one of its train lines as a precaution, but service resumed quickly, minimizing disruption to commuters.

[Intensity Map] JMA Reports: A magnitude 5.3 #earthquake #地震 with a max intensity of 5- and a depth of 10km has occured 神奈川県西部 (Western Kanagawa prefecture) at 08/09 19:57 JST. #japan pic.twitter.com/ywYjQO9IW4

— Rapid Earthquake Alerts - Japan (@RapidQuakeAlert) August 9, 2024

Advisory for Western Japan

The earthquake came on the heels of a government advisory issued Thursday, highlighting the potential for a megaquake along Japan's Pacific coast. This advisory was the first of its kind, aimed at preparing residents and authorities in western Japan for the possibility of a catastrophic event.

The government continues to emphasize the importance of disaster preparedness, urging residents to stay informed and ready for any emergency. While the earthquake did not result in immediate damage reports, officials are assessing the situation in the hardest-hit areas, such as the western part of Kanagawa prefecture.

7.1 magnitude quake jolts Japan on Thursday

Earlier on Thursday, Japan issued a warning about the possibility of a 'megaquake' after a powerful 7.1-magnitude temblor struck off its southern coast, with had potential to trigger a tsunami. However, no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries.