Rail operator East Japan Railway suspended shinkansen services as a precaution, disrupting one of the country’s busiest transport networks while safety checks were conducted.
A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan on Friday evening, rattling the Pacific offshore waters near Miyagi Prefecture and forcing a temporary suspension of bullet train operations, although authorities confirmed there was no tsunami threat and no immediate reports of damage.
The Economic Times reports that Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said the tremor occurred at about 8:22 pm local time, with the epicentre located offshore in the Pacific region. Despite the strength of the quake, officials quickly ruled out a tsunami warning, easing fears of a coastal surge.
State broadcaster NHK reported that nuclear facilities in Miyagi and Fukushima remained stable, with no abnormalities detected. The plants are located roughly 125 kilometres from the quake’s epicentre.
Rail operator East Japan Railway suspended shinkansen services as a precaution, disrupting one of the country’s busiest transport networks while safety checks were conducted.
