5.9-magnitude earthquake rattles Tokyo, eastern Japan

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 struck eastern Japan early Sunday, with its epicenter in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The quake was felt across a broad area of Japan, including its northeastern and central regions.

Parts of Ibaraki Prefecture and central Tokyo recorded an intensity of lower 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale of 7.

The earthquake also disrupted railway operations, with some train services delayed, according to JR East and other operators.

Operators of nuclear facilities in the affected region reported no abnormalities at the Tokai No 2 nuclear power plant in Ibaraki Prefecture, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, or the nearby Fukushima Daini plant.

No tsunami warning was issued.

According to Kyodo News, the Japan Meteorological Agency warned that earthquakes reaching an intensity of lower 5 could occur over the coming week and urged particular caution during the next two to three days.

houjunjie@chinadaily.com.cn