Flag of Japan. Photo by Kulbir on Pexels.com
A powerful earthquake struck eastern Japan on Wednesday morning, reaching lower 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, one of the stronger levels used in the country.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the tremor had an estimated magnitude of 5.0 and originated about 50 kilometers below southern Ibaraki Prefecture around 10:06 a.m.
The quake registered lower 5 in the city of Moka in the neighboring prefecture.
East Japan Railway Co. temporarily halted operations on the Tohoku Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori to conduct safety inspections.
Service resumed at 10:18 a.m., though some trains experienced delays of up to 15 minutes.
Authorities said no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage were received following the tremor.
Residents in affected areas reported feeling strong shaking and taking precautions by staying indoors until the tremors subsided.
The agency reminded the public to remain vigilant for aftershocks and to follow safety measures in case of further seismic activity.