Japan is seriously preparing for the future Summer Olympic Games in 2020 and is also one of the best prepared countries for earthquakes. But yet…
Osaka shaken on Monday morning
The epicentre of the earthquake was in the northern part of Osaka at a depth of 13 km. No tsunami warnings were issued. The Japanese meteorological agency initially put the magnitude of the earthquake at 5.9, but then raised it to 6.1. Replicas of this earthquake may occur.
Three deaths and many injuries
The earthquake, which struck just before 8 a.m. (Japan time), killed three people, including a nine-year-old girl. More than 300 people were also reported injured.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the government « is working together, and its first priority is saving people’s lives.
No major property damage
Local officials stated that they had not received reports of significant damage in the heavily urbanized area, where roads and railways travel around densely populated residential buildings. Some factories had to close for a few hours. Some sectors were without electricity and water.
Disturbed rail transport
A number of rail services have been suspended, including the « shinkansen » high-speed train.
It was a real earthquake.
According to testimonies, despite the relatively low magnitude, there will have been a real earthquake. Above a magnitude of 7, it is difficult to stand.
Japan lies on the Pacific’fire belt’, where a large proportion of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are recorded.