A 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Japan's eastern prefecture of Ishikawa prefecture on Sunday, according to the Japanese Meteorological Agency on Sunday. The agency said that the earthquake occurred at around 06:08 GMT with a magnitude of 5.2 on the Japanese seismic, adding that the earthquake occurred in waters off the coast near the city of Suzu at a depth of about 6.2 miles. The agency said that there was no threat of a tsunami despite the significant magnitude. Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that following the earthquake, a collection and response headquarters was established under the Office of the Japanese Prime Minister. There are no immediate reports of casualties or any damage caused by the earthquake. The earthquake struck the Noto region in Ishikawa Prefecture, shortly after 3 p.m. on Sunday. No tsunami alert has been issued. The quake registered lower 6 on Japan's seismic intensity scale of zero to 7 at Suzu City. Noto Town registered lower 5, and the city of Wajima recorded 4. Japan's Meteorological Agency says the quake was at a depth of about 10 kilometers. The Kasuga Shrine in Suzu reported that its torii stone gate was broken from the bottom, and stone lanterns and stairs were partially collapsed. The city registered a quake with an intensity of lower five in September last year. Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said the government has set up a taskforce at his office. Kishida said, "I have instructed the members of the taskforce to immediately assess the extent of the damage, provide accurate information to the public, and make all-out efforts to take emergency measures against disasters. "No major damage has been reported so far. There have not been any reports of damage at the Shika nuclear power plant and nearby nuclear power plants. We will continue to take all possible measures with the utmost caution." — Agencies
