TOKYO:A strong earthquake struck Yamanachi Prefecture, west of Tokyo, on Friday at 10:29 p.m. with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) estimating the magnitude at 5.6 on the Japanese scale of zero to seven, at a depth of 20 kilometers underground.

Authorities confirmed there is no tsunami threat, and the epicenter near Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain and considered an active volcano, is far enough from its magma area.

The tremors were felt across the region, causing buildings in central Tokyo to sway. Mobile emergency alerts provided warnings seconds before the shaking began.

The JMA reported a seismic intensity of lower 5 in western Kanagawa, mid-western Yamanashi, and eastern Shizuoka prefectures. An intensity of 4 was observed in southern Chiba, eastern and western Tokyo Tama, eastern Kanagawa, central Nagano, and the Izu region of Shizuoka.

Eyewitnesses reported approximately 30 seconds of intense lateral movement. While seismic-resistant buildings remained stable and traffic on the Central Expressway continued, footage from Matsuda Town showed significant shaking.

Authorities have advised residents to prioritize safety by seeking cover under stable furniture to avoid falling objects. Residents also asked to turn off stoves and circuit breakers and avoid using open flames due to potential gas leaks. Given the ongoing heavy rainfall, there is an elevated risk of landslides; residents are cautioned to stay away from slopes.

Fast trains service is suspended in the area, and some houses in the area lost power. Damages houses were seen and a woman was injured in Kofu city.The Hamaoka nuclear plant reported that no abnormalities were noticed and that radiation levels around the plants remain unchanged.

Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae told the nation in a live broadcast that her government has established an emergency response office and a task force to assess damage. She emphasized that the government is giving “utmost priority to save people’s lives” and instructed agencies to conduct rapid damage assessments. Takaichi also warned residents in the hardest-hit areas to “remain alert for earthquakes of a similar magnitude.”

This is the fourth significant earthquake to hit Japan within 36 hours. The JMA warns that residents should remain vigilant throughout the night and be prepared for further tremors.

Professor Shinichi Sakai of the University of Tokyo Earthquake Research Institute told NHK Broadcasting that this region frequently experiences earthquakes of this magnitude or higher. He expressed concern that the persistent rainfall may have loosened soil in the mountainous, cliff-heavy terrain, increasing the risk of landslides.