Eathquake hits Tokyo
A strong earthquake rocked the Tokyo area today, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
The quake, which had a preliminary magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale and was centred just east of Tokyo, was strong enough to sway buildings in the capital.
Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, had initially warned that the quake could cause tsunami, potentially dangerous ocean waves caused by seismic activity. But Japan’s Central Meteorological Agency quickly announced that tsunami were unlikely.
According to the meteorological agency, the epicentre of the quake was in Chiba Prefecture (state), which lies on Tokyo’s eastern border, at a depth of about 50 miles.
The shaking lasted about 30 seconds in Tokyo.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, and Tokyo’s subways and commuter train lines were not immediately affected.
Japan, which rests atop several tectonic plates, is among the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.
Tokyo is particularly vulnerable. A quake and subsequent fire in 1923 killed more than 140,000 people in the capital area, and experts believe Tokyo is overdue for another major jolt.
