Magnitude 5.9 earthquake injures 37 in eastern Japan

A magnitude‑5.9 earthquake struck eastern Japan on Thursday, leaving 37 people injured and causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. The quake, which began at 10:12 a.m. local time, was centered near the city of Niigata in the Niigata Prefecture, an area that has experienced several seismic events in recent years. Emergency services responded quickly, treating injuries ranging from minor fractures to more serious trauma, and several hospitals in the region reported a surge in patients.

The tremor triggered the collapse of a number of older structures, including a school and a residential complex, and damaged roads and bridges, prompting temporary closures and rerouting of traffic. Authorities activated the region’s earthquake preparedness protocols, and the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level‑3 alert, the highest for seismic activity. Local officials have called for a thorough inspection of critical infrastructure, while the National Police Agency has urged residents to stay alert for aftershocks, which are expected to continue for several days.

In response to the incident, the Japanese government has pledged additional resources to aid in the recovery effort, and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is coordinating with local health agencies to ensure that medical supplies and personnel are sufficient to meet the needs of the affected population. The earthquake serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic events and underscores the importance of ongoing preparedness and resilient construction practices.