Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Strikes Nara Prefecture, Disrupting Transport and Infrastructure
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Nara Prefecture at approximately 6:28 PM on the 2nd, recording a maximum seismic intensity of 4 on the Japanese scale in Nara, northern and southern Wakayama, and southern Mie Prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency has confirmed there is no risk of a tsunami resulting from this event. The tremors triggered a temporary sense of alarm in the affected regions. In Wakayama Prefecture, some drivers were seen pulling over to the side of the road to ensure their safety, while rockfalls were reported on roads in Kihoku, Mie Prefecture; however, no injuries have been confirmed. The shaking was felt across a broad area spanning the Kinki, Tokai, and Chugoku regions, with an intensity of 3 recorded in prefectures such as Aichi and Hyogo. Public transportation and facilities also faced disruptions. JR West conducted safety checks by slowing down trains on the Osaka Loop Line, Nara Line, and Kisei Line, leading to delays. Some Kintetsu Railway lines also expe...