On the morning of October 5th, Yamagata Prefecture was shaken by a noticeable earthquake, reported around 8:51 AM, registering tremors across various locations. The Japan Meteorological Agency indicated the earthquake, which had no tsunami warnings associated with it, recorded magnitude 4.0 with its epicenter located near the eastern region of Yamanashi, particularly around the Fuji Five Lakes area, at a depth of 20 kilometers.
Shifts were felt most strongly within the Ōtsuki area, where tremors were reported at 3 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, impacting local infrastructure yet causing no immediate damage. Police officer stationed at the Ōtsuki Police Station described the event: "There was one abrupt jolt. Although it shook things slightly, nothing fell off the shelves." Following the quake, local authorities, including fire departments and police stations, confirmed reports of trembling but stated no injuries or major damages occurred by 9 AM.
Despite the initial calm, the afternoon brought troubling news from nearby regions. Reports emerged of tragic events on the banks of the Kamanasu River, flowing between the cities of Kai and Minami-Alps. Around 4 PM, the father of a young girl, who had been playing by the river with classmates, notified authorities after she was swept away by the current. Emergency services responded swiftly, dispatching helicopters to the scene where the girl, believed to be of elementary school age, was found and transported to the hospital.
Tragically, upon arrival, she was reported to be unconscious and listed as critically injured. Eyewitness accounts describe seeing children playing nearby just before the distress call was made. One middle school student passing the area recounted the frantic scene: "There were children running, and then I overheard one of them saying ‘My sister has been swept away.’"
The search and rescue operation was initially coordinated between local police and firefighters, focusing on ensuring safety along the riverbanks and determining the circumstances surrounding the girl’s disappearance. Investigations are being pursued vigorously to understand how the incident unfolded and whether the earthquake-induced currents may have contributed to the accidents.
Both incidents reflect the vulnerability of communities living near water bodies, particularly after seismic activities which may cause unexpected conditions. Authorities are urging local residents to exercise caution during such geophysical events. Additional safety reminders are being disseminated to prevent children from playing near waterways during or after tremors, as divine nature's unpredictability can sometimes heighten risks lurking around seemingly benign local parks.
Authorities have planned follow-up inspections and are ready to respond to any inquiries related to both the earthquake and the tragic events by the river. The Yamanashi Prefecture continues to monitor seismic activities closely, as residents remain vigilant and committed to community safety.