Thai embassy warns of aftershocks after magnitude 5.9 quake in Ibaraki
Tremors reached the Tokyo metropolitan area. The Japan Meteorological Agency ruled out a tsunami, while the Thai embassy urged nationals to monitor possible aftershocks.
- A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Japan's Ibaraki Prefecture, with tremors also felt in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
- The Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo has issued a warning to its nationals about the potential for aftershocks.
- Thai citizens were urged to monitor information from Japanese authorities and were provided with an emergency hotline number for assistance.
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck at 2am local time in Japan on Sunday (August 23, 2026), two hours ahead of Thailand.
The quake was centred at a depth of about 70 kilometres in southern Ibaraki Prefecture.
The earthquake registered a maximum intensity of 5 Lower on Japan’s Shindo scale, a level at which shaking is clearly felt and buildings and household items may sway.
Tremors were also felt in neighbouring areas, including the Tokyo metropolitan area, causing considerable alarm among residents.
Shortly after the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) promptly assessed the situation and issued a notice confirming that the quake would not trigger a tsunami.
The Royal Thai Embassy, Tokyo, issued an alert to Thai nationals, including tourists, students and Thai workers living in at-risk areas, urging them to monitor information from the Japanese authorities closely and continuously, particularly regarding aftershocks, which could occur at any time.
Those facing an emergency or requiring urgent assistance can contact the Royal Thai Embassy, Tokyo, immediately on its hotline at 090-4435-7812.
