Arab News Japan

TOKYO: A strong earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 5 upper struck Ibaraki prefecture at 5:40 evening on Wed. November 9. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, there is no tsunami risk.

The agency said that the epicenter was in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, at a depth of about 50km and a magnitude of 5.5. 

The maximum seismic intensity of 5 Upper was observed in Shirosato Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, with less magnitude in the surrounding prefectures.

Tokyo and Chiba residents felt the shaking. “It was quite intense, but short, and nothing fell in my apartment,” a resident in Narita town in Chiba prefecture told Arab News Japan by phone.

Tokyo international airport, Narita, was shaken at a seismic intensity of 3, but no damage was reported, and flights are normal, authorities said. 

JR East Railway reported that some trains made a brief stop when the earthquake hit but resumed operations in a few minutes. Travel is normal on roads, too, officials in Ibaraki and Chiba told local media.

Officials said that operations in Tokai dai ni nuclear power station were not disrupted and are going on normally.

Experts warned people in the area where a strong jolt hit to be cautious of stronger quakes following.