5.6 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Yamanashi, Japan: 10 Injured; No Abnormalities Detected at Mount Fuji

TOKYO—A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, yesterday evening, with the town of Fujikawaguchiko recording a maximum seismic intensity of 6-minus. The tremor was felt across a wide area, with reports of damage emerging from Yamanashi, Kanagawa, and Shizuoka prefectures. As of 6:00 AM today, 10 injuries have been confirmed.

The epicenter was located in the Fuji Five Lakes region, in proximity to Mount Fuji. While the intensity reached 6-minus in Fujikawaguchiko, Otsuki City in Yamanashi recorded an intensity of 5-plus.

According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, as of 6:00 AM, eight people were injured in Yamanashi, with one injury each reported in Kanagawa and Shizuoka. Additionally, Tokyo fire authorities have received reports of six minor injuries, which are currently being verified.

Ayaki Ebita, an official from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), warned that areas experiencing strong shaking face increased risks of building collapses and landslides, urging residents to remain vigilant regarding aftershocks and weather conditions. The JMA also advised citizens to prepare for the possibility of another earthquake of equal or greater magnitude within the next week.

Regarding concerns about the epicenter's proximity to Mount Fuji, the JMA stated that no abnormalities have been detected in the volcano’s activity. Monitoring data shows no significant changes following the earthquake in eastern Yamanashi.

Authorities further cautioned that due to the approach of typhoons, regions already vulnerable to landslides should be avoided. Reported damages include collapsed walls, fallen signs, downed trees, and falling rocks in Yamanashi, as well as reports of landslides, crumbling stone walls, and detached roof tiles in Kanagawa and Shizuoka.