No abnormalities detected at multiple nuclear power plants after earthquake in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan

At around 2 a.m. on August 23, an earthquake struck the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, with a maximum seismic intensity of 5-lower observed in parts of Ibaraki Prefecture, Tokyo Metropolis, Saitama Prefecture, and Chiba Prefecture. The Japanese government subsequently established a liaison office at the Crisis Management Center of the Prime Minister's Official Residence. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that relevant departments have been instructed to verify the damage situation and promptly release accurate information to the public. The earthquake posed no risk of tsunami.

Japan Atomic Power Company (JAPC) stated that a seismic intensity of 3 was observed in the area where the Tokai Daini Nuclear Power Plant is located in Tokai Village, Ibaraki Prefecture. The unit is currently shut down, and no abnormalities have been found as of now. Readings from radiation monitoring stations around the plant have also shown no changes. The Tokai Nuclear Power Plant, located in the same area, is currently in the decommissioning stage, and related inspections are still ongoing.

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) stated that no new abnormalities have been detected at the Fukushima Daiichi and Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plants, and no significant fluctuations have been observed at surrounding radiation monitoring stations.

According to Fukushima Prefecture, a seismic intensity of 4 was observed in Tamagawa Village, and a seismic intensity of 3 was observed in the Nakadori and Hamadori areas. As of 3 a.m. on August 23, no reports of damage caused by the earthquake had been received locally.