Tokyo earthquake – magnitude 6.0 tremor rocks Olympic Games host city but officials say no tsunami risk
AN EARTHQUAKE has struck off the coast of Japan, sending out tremors felt by Olympians.
The magnitude-6 quake took place in the sea to the east of Tokyo at about 5.30am local time.
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Athletes and journalists who are in the city for the games reported feeling the aftershocks.
Their reports suggest the quake, which had an epicenter around 40 kilometers (25 miles) from land, lasted between 20 seconds and three minutes.
Australian journalist Mark Beretta was live on air for Sunrise when the earthquake hit.
Standing on top of a broadcast tower outside the Olympic stadium, he said: “Welcome back to the Olympic city where we are currently in an earthquake, an earth tremor.
“The roof above us is moving and you might notice our lights and camera are moving as well.”
He added: “That was quite an unusual moment, I have not been through an earthquake before.”
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Authorities have said there is no risk of a Tsunami or damage.
UN NERV, which shares disaster warnings for Japan, tweeted: “Earthquake Detailed Report – 8/4.
“At around 5:42am, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 occurred offshore Ibaraki Prefecture at a depth of 30km.”
It added: “The maximum intensity was 2. There is no threat of a tsunami.”
Japan is situated on top of converging tectonic plates and Olympic host Tokyo is prepared for quakes to hit.
The Ariake volleyball arena has giant rubber cushions built into it to limit earthquake damage.
The Olympic Village is also sheltered, with a seawall built to stop tsunamis as tall as 6.5 feet.
More to follow…
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