A 6.2 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Japan shook buildings in the densely populated capital of Tokyo on Friday. According to the Japanese meteorological authority, the tremors occurred at 7:03 p.m. (local time, 12:03 p.m. CEST) at a depth of 50 kilometers off the Pacific coast of the Chiba region.
No injuries or damage were initially reported despite the severity of the quake. Because of the quake, train service in the area was suspended and runways at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport were temporarily closed. A tsunami warning was not issued. The country’s nuclear power plants also reported no abnormalities. “It felt like being on a boat.” “It felt like being on a boat,” said a host on public television network NHK. “Swinging from side to side that seemed to last for more than 30 seconds.” Shortly before the tremor, Japanese television stations had broadcast information from the nationwide earthquake early warning system, which warned the population of imminent strong earthquakes. Japan is located on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common in this area. Strict building regulations therefore apply in Japan, and there are regular earthquake exercises. In early May, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Ishikawa region inland. However, Japan is still haunted by the memory of the 9.0-magnitude seaquake off the northeast coast of the country that triggered a devastating tsunami in March 2011 , which killed around 18,500 people.The earthquake triggered the devastating tsunami in 2011.The tsunami also hit the Fukushima nuclear power plant, where it led to massive explosions and core meltdowns in three reactors. It was the worst nuclear accident in the world since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.
