Kanto region jolted by earthquake, injuries reported

A strong earthquake struck north of Tokyo at 2:00 a.m. Sunday.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says there is no tsunami threat. But the shaking reportedly injured more than 10 people in the Kanto region.

The agency says the magnitude 5.9 quake was centered in southern Ibaraki Prefecture. It had an intensity of lower 5 on the Japanese scale of 0 to 7 in Ibaraki, Saitama and Chiba prefectures, as well as the capital Tokyo, with its focus estimated to be 68 kilometers deep.

Operators of the Tokai No.2 nuclear power plant in Ibaraki Prefecture and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant say there have been no reports of abnormalities at their facilities. They say radiation levels around the plants remain unchanged.

The JMA reported seismic waves during the earthquake that could cause swaying in high-rise buildings around Tokyo. The agency described the possible effects on tall buildings as long-period ground motions.

Class 2 seismic effects were observed in parts of Tokyo's 23 wards, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures. That's the third-highest on the four-level scale. In tall buildings, Class 2 effects can make it difficult for people to walk without holding onto fixed items.

The agency says Class 1 motions were also recorded in Kanagawa, Ibaraki, Tochigi and Gunma prefectures.

Class 1 tremors can be felt by most people inside tall buildings. Such motions move blinds and other hanging objects significantly. The Tokyo Fire Department reported a burst water pipe in Koto Ward in Tokyo at around 2:05 a.m. on Sunday. The connection with the earthquake is not known. The fire department has responded at the scene.

They also said elevators were temporarily stopped at multiple places, in some cases leaving people trapped inside. Those cases have already been resolved.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department said a large amount of a fire extinguishing agent was released at a supermarket in Adachi Ward, Tokyo.

The police say the malfunction may have been caused by the earthquake. They are working to remove the foam on surrounding streets.