Series of Strong Earthquakes Strike Japan, China and Indonesia; Casualties Reported in China

Tokyo/Beijing/Jakarta: A series of earthquakes struck parts of East and Southeast Asia on Tuesday, affecting Japan, China and Indonesia and prompting emergency responses, temporary transport disruptions and public evacuations.

In Japan, a 5.5-magnitude earthquake shook Tokyo and several parts of eastern Japan during the evening. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake originated at a depth of around 50 kilometres in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of the capital. Authorities confirmed there was no tsunami threat.

No casualties or major damage had been reported at the time of the announcement. However, as a precautionary measure, East Japan Railway temporarily suspended Shinkansen bullet train services operating toward northeastern regions. Japanese media also reported power disruptions along sections of the Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines. Japan remains highly vulnerable to seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Meanwhile, a stronger earthquake measuring 6.3 struck Qinghai province in northwestern China. The China Earthquake Networks Center said the tremor occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres in Haixi Prefecture. Chinese state media reported that one person was killed and four others injured.

Rescue teams were deployed to assess damage and search for anyone trapped. Authorities also recorded aftershocks, including one measuring 4.9 in magnitude.

In Indonesia, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake hit Sulawesi Island, causing structural damage and triggering panic among residents. The quake’s epicentre was located about 43 kilometres southeast of Palu at a depth of around 10 kilometres, according to the US Geological Survey.

Residents rushed into open areas and several hospitals evacuated patients as a safety measure. Buildings suffered visible damage, while tourists staying in hotels were moved to safer locations. Although Indonesia’s meteorological agency ruled out a tsunami, officials warned that aftershocks could continue.

The latest earthquake has revived memories of Sulawesi’s devastating 2018 disaster, when a powerful earthquake and tsunami killed more than 4,000 people.