Reports of damage after strong quake west of Tokyo

A strong earthquake has struck west of Tokyo. Japan's government says at least six people have been taken to hospital.

The Meteorological Agency says the quake struck in Yamanashi Prefecture on Friday at 10:28 p.m. with a magnitude of 5.6. Officials say it measured lower 6 on Japan's intensity scale of 0 to 7, but there was no threat of tsunami.

Authorities are receiving reports of damage such as collapsed building walls. There are also reports of electricity and water outages. Officials in Kanagawa Prefecture are responding to reports of a landslide.

The operator of the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train suspended some operations until after 1 a.m.

The operator of the Hamaoka nuclear power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture says there were no reports of abnormalities after the quake.

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae spoke to reporters on Friday night. She says the government has set up a task force, and that she has instructed relevant ministries and agencies to determine the extent of damage as soon as possible.

Takaichi said the government will closely coordinate with local authorities and make every effort to reach any victims under a policy of putting human lives first. She also says the government will provide information on evacuations and damage in an appropriate manner.