Three Injured, Buildings Damaged After Offshore Earthquake Hits Mie Prefecture, Japan Authorities Confirm Impact

Tsu, Japan— An offshore earthquake near Mie Prefecture rattled central Japan on November 1, 2026, causing structural damage and leaving three people with minor injuries, authorities said.

The quake struck at 8:47 a.m. local time. The Japan Meteorological Agency put the magnitude at 5.8, with a depth of 20 kilometers offshore. Shaking was felt strongly in Tsu, Ise and parts of Nagoya. No tsunami warning was issued, but officials told coastal residents to stay alert.

Three injuries were reported by midday. An elderly woman fell at home in Tsu. Two workers were hurt by falling objects in a warehouse near Matsusaka. All were treated and released. No deaths were reported.

Local governments reported cracked walls, broken windows and roof tiles dislodged. A section of coastal road near Owase subsided. Water pipes burst in two neighborhoods. Power was briefly cut to about 2,000 homes before being restored.

"The shaking was strong and lasted about 20 seconds. We evacuated to higher ground as a precaution," a city disaster official said in Mie. He said schools were inspected and found safe, but one community center was closed for checks.

Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences frequent offshore quakes. Mie Prefecture lies near the Nankai Trough, a zone closely monitored for a potential mega-quake. Officials said this event was not directly linked to that risk but serves as a reminder.

USGS confirmed the epicenter offshore, about 40 kilometers southeast of Tsu. JMA recorded intensity 5-lower on the Japanese shindo scale in parts of Mie. Aftershocks are possible over the next week.

Rail operator JR Central briefly halted Shinkansen services between Nagoya and Kyoto for safety checks. No damage to tracks was found. Services resumed after 30 minutes.

Local fire departments patrolled for damage. Officials urged residents to secure furniture and prepare emergency kits. The prefectural government set up a disaster information desk.

The structural damage assessment continues. Officials said full inspection will take at least 24 hours.