Tsunami hits southern Tokyo Island after 5.9 earthquake

The Japanese meteorological agency reported that a 50-centimeter tsunami hit an island south of Tokyo on Tuesday, September 24, following a magnitude 5.9 earthquake, international media reported.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami advisory for the Izu and Ogasawara islands shortly after the earthquake, but it was lifted by 11am. local time, indicating that tsunami activity had diminished sufficiently, according to Kyodo News. However, minor sea level fluctuations may persist for about twelve hours.

The earthquake, which occurred at 8.14am local time, had its epicenter near Torishima in the Izu island chain, approximately 10 kilometers underground, according to the weather agency.

At 8.58am. local time, a 50-cm tsunami was recorded at Hachijo Island, around 180 kilometers north of the earthquake’s epicenter. A smaller tsunami of 10 cm was detected at Miyake Island.

No injuries have been reported so far, the report said quoting the Tokyo police.

Initially, the JMA had forecasted tsunami waves of up to 1 meter and advised the public to avoid coastal areas. They cautioned that slight tidal changes could still occur along the Pacific coast, but there is no concern regarding tsunami-related damage.

While the tsunami advisory has been lifted, the agency continues to warn against activities such as fishing and swimming due to potential sea level changes.