Dozens injured as magnitude 5.9 earthquake strikes Tokyo

First responders from the Tokyo Fire Department stand on a street partially flooded in the early hours of Sunday, 23 August 2026, following the rupture of a water pipe after an earthquake (AP)

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck eastern Japan early on Sunday, injuring at least 37 people across Tokyo and surrounding prefectures.
The epicentre was located in southern Ibaraki prefecture at a depth of 70km, and authorities confirmed there was no tsunami threat.
Most injuries occurred when residents panicked and fell or struck furniture, whilst minor damage included a ruptured underground water pipe in Tokyo.
Express train services faced minor delays, but high-speed bullet trains ran normally and no anomalies were detected at nearby nuclear power facilities.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has advised residents in the affected regions to remain cautious of potential moderate quakes for about a week.