Japan: 5.3-magnitude earthquake off Chiba coast May 17

Event

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 on the Richter scale struck off the Pacific coast of Chiba prefecture (Kanto region; Greater Tokyo area) at around 12:15 (local time) on Thursday, May 17. No tsunami warning was issued and no damage has been reported.

Aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days.

Context

Japan sits at the junction of four tectonic plates and experiences a number of relatively violent earthquakes every year. Rigid building codes and strict enforcement mean even strong tremors often do little damage. However, a massive undersea earthquake in March 2011 near Fukushima sent a tsunami barreling into Japan's northeastern coast, leaving more than 18,000 people dead or missing and sending three reactors into meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant. In April 2016, two strong earthquakes followed by more than 1700 aftershocks hit the southern prefecture of Kumamoto, leaving at least 50 dead and causing widespread damage.

Advice

Individuals in Kanto region and the Greater Tokyo area are advised to be prepared for possible aftershocks. Generally speaking, after a powerful earthquake, check for damages and take note of your surroundings. If indoors, shut off water, gas, and electricity lines and evacuate the building.