Tokyo hit by 5.3 magnitude earthquake

According to Japan’s national weather agency, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck areas near Tokyo on Friday (09 August) at 7:57 pm (local time). The quake was centered in western Kanagawa Prefecture at a depth of 10 kilometers underground.

The agency clarified that this earthquake does not appear to be associated with the potential for a massive quake originating from the Nankai Trough in the Pacific.

This advisory follows the recent magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck southwestern Japan, with its epicenter in waters off Miyazaki Prefecture, located on the western edge of the Nankai Trough.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever advisory on Thursday (08 August), warning of a higher-than-usual risk of a Nankai Trough megaquake.

The recent seismic activity has raised concerns, but the agency reassured the public that the Tokyo-area quake does not signal an imminent major event related to the Nankai Trough.

Authorities continue monitoring the situation closely, urging residents to stay informed and prepared for further developments.

References

• Magnitude 5.3 earthquake strikes near Tokyo amid heightened seismic alert
• 5.3-magnitude earthquake hits Japan, no tsunami warning
• 5.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Tokyo After Japan Issues Megaquake Alert