Moderate quake hits near Tokyo

TOKYO (AFP) - A moderate earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale struck near Tokyo on Tuesday, rattling some buildings in the capital although there were no immediate reports of damage.

The 10-kilometre (six-mile) deep quake hit at 11:37 am (0237 GMT) in Kanagawa prefecture, just south of Tokyo, according to the Meteorological Agency.

Japan lies at the junction of four tectonic plates and endures about 20 percent of the world's most powerful earthquakes.

On July 16, a strong quake registering 6.8 on the Richter scale hit Niigata prefecture, killing 11 people and injuring more than 1,000 others as it destroyed hundreds of houses and ripped roads.