Magnitude-5.3 Earthquake Shakes Tokyo: Government Issues Emergency Warning

A magnitude-5.3 earthquake struck Tokyo and nearby regions on Friday evening. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued an emergency alert, but no tsunami threat was reported. Tokyo Metro temporarily halted train services, and the extent of damage in hard-hit areas remains unknown.

A magnitude-5.3 earthquake hit Tokyo and surrounding areas on Friday evening, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported. The event followed a government advisory warning of a potential massive earthquake on the Pacific coast.

The government issued an emergency warning for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Yamanashi, and Shizuoka prefectures, although no tsunami alert was declared. Buildings in Tokyo shook strongly, and Tokyo Metro briefly suspended one of its train lines, resuming services shortly after.

Immediate damage reports from the severely affected regions, particularly western Kanagawa prefecture, were unavailable at the time of reporting.

(With inputs from agencies.)