USGS Confirms Strong Quake Rocks Western Japan
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that Western Japan has been struck by a magnitude 5.3 quake but no tsunami alert has been raised.
On Sunday (June 17, 2018), a magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck Western Japan but there are no major damage, casualties, and tsunami risk has been reported yet.
USGS said that the strong quake, which has a depth of 15.4 kilometers has struck near Osaka, Japan.
The Japanese meteorological agency put the strong quake at magnitude 5.9 and the epicenter at a depth of 10 kilometers but explained that there is no risk of a tsunami.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that the government was prioritizing the safety of its people.
“Swiftly collect information on damage, make utmost efforts in rescuing and saving lives… (and) provide timely and appropriate information to the public,” Abe told his staff quoted by Inquirer.
The strong quake caused train stations to suspend their operations during the morning commuting hours and blackout for over 170, 000 houses in Osaka.
At least two airports have also canceled flights in the region to ensure the passengers’ safety but gave since resumed operations.
Firefighters have also responded to a fire incident that suddenly occurred after the quake at a residence north of Osaka City, according to private broadcaster TV Asahi.
The Western Japan quake was recorded a lower six on the Japanese Shindo scale of up to seven indicating that people find it difficult to remain standing.
One man and a girl died after they were trapped under different collapsed walls during the quake.
Water was also spilled into the roads after pipes have cracked due to the strong tremor.
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