Japan earthquake rocks buildings in 2 major cities as locals take cover from 5.7 tremor

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake has hit Japan, with buildings in Osaka and Nara shaking as the tremor struck the Kansai region at around 6.28pm local time – no tsunami warning has been issued

A powerful 5.7 earthquake has struck part of Japan, causing buildings to shake in major cities. Emergency services have been mobilised in Nara and Osaka after the tremor hit at approximately 6.28pm today, sending significant shockwaves throughout the Kansai region.

The earthquake originated at a depth of roughly 70km in Nara Prefecture according to preliminary reports, with no tsunami alert currently in place, reports the Mirror. An emergency earthquake alert has been issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

People in the Nara Prefecture have been urged to take care due to strong shaking. A map shows the regions in southern parts of the country impacted by the earthquake.

While at its epicentre there was a magnitude of 5.7, a seismic intensity of 4 was observed around 6.28pm in Mie, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures.

Last month, we reported how a tsunami warning was issued after Japan was hit with a huge 7.4 magnitude earthquake, with 10ft waves expected “immediately”.

The earthquake was six miles deep and the epicentre was in the Pacific Ocean.

The tremor was reportedly strong enough to shake large buildings as far as Tokyo, hundreds of miles away.

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