Japan Chiba Prefecture hit by powerful 5.9 magnitude earthquake

Friday, October 8, 2021

A strong 5.9 magnitude struck the northwestern Chiba Prefecture in Japan on the east of the capital Tokyo, on Thursday, October 8, 2021. The quake was first reported by Japan Meteorological Agency with the magnitude of 6.1 and an initial depth of 80 kilometers (50 miles). The earthquake was then upgraded to a 5.9 magnitude with a depth of 62 kilometers (38.5 miles), as per the USGS.

Local media reported that the earthquake left one individual seriously injured while 16 other injuries were deemed as minor. Nearly 250 households were left without power in Tokyo. The runway of Tokyo Haneda Airport was also briefly closed on Thursday.

The earthquake also disrupted train services and the entrance of the JR Shimbashi station in Tokyo was seen crowded with passengers following the suspension of railways. Firefighters were deployed on the streets to deal with the aftermath of the quake. As per reports, residents were left shaken as frames, glasses and dishes fell off walls and shelves due to the quake.

The newly elected Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida said in a statement that he instructed officials to provide utmost help to victims and take measures to prevent further damage. A task force was also set up at his office to collect information about the disaster.

He also said that the government asked train operators to support people who were not able to return home, as some rail lines were suspended as the result of the quake. No abnormalities were detected at nuclear facilities following the earthquake, as reported by Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno.

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