M6.2 quake strikes off Tokyo; no tsunami warning issued

A strong 6.2-magnitude earthquake shook buildings in Tokyo early Monday, but officials said there was no risk of a tsunami.

Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority said nuclear facilities in the region hit by the quake avoided damage, including Fukushima Daiichi plant. Photo by Reuters

Tokyo inhabitants—set to enjoy a national holiday—were woken shortly after dawn by the quake, which jolted the densely built apartments and office blocks.

The epicenter of the quake—which struck at 5:18 a,m.—was near Izu Oshima island southwest of central Tokyo, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake had a magnitude of 6.2, revised upwards from 5.8, and struck at a depth of 155 kilometer. It registered a low 5 in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward and a 4 in the other 22 wards.

National broadcaster NHK said there were no immediate reports of any damage or injuries but it warned of the possibility of aftershocks and cautioned viewers to be careful.

A number of train lines were automatically stopped as the quake struck, but were restarted again a short time later.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority said nuclear facilities in the region hit by the quake avoided damage, including the Fukushima Daiichi plant.

Japan is situated at the meeting place of several of the Earth’s tectonic plates and experiences a number of relatively violent quakes every year.

However, strict building codes frequently mean that even powerful quakes that might wreak havoc in other countries can pass without much damage.