Earthquake hits central Japan, injuring more than 20 people | Earthquakes News
Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Strikes Shizuoka Prefecture, Injuries Reported
More than 20 people were injured as a strong earthquake shook central Japan early Sunday morning, prompting authorities to issue warnings about potential aftershocks in the coming days.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the earthquake occurred at 1:04 a.m. local time (16:00 GMT Saturday), with a magnitude of 5.7. The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) deep in western Shizuoka Prefecture.
According to Kyodo news agency, over 20 individuals sustained injuries in the Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures. A wide area was affected, including the city of Hamamatsu and the historic capitals of Kyoto and Nara, as well as the nearby prefectures of Yamanashi and Gifu, which is home to Mount Fuji.
Despite the tremors, no tsunami warnings were issued, and the earthquake did not impact areas as far away as Tokyo. Local media reported that shattered shop windows and displaced merchandise were visible in the aftermath, with images showing books scattered across a bookstore floor as a result of the quake.
Some injuries reported were due to individuals falling down stairs while attempting to evacuate.
Warnings of Aftershocks
In light of the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency cautioned residents to prepare for possible strong aftershocks over the next week, particularly within the next few days. Agency official Ayataka Ebita advised vigilance regarding potential mudslides and falling rocks, particularly with expected rainfall in the region.
Ebita noted that no significant changes had been detected in the Nankai Trough, an underwater trench associated with major tectonic activity beneath Japan, where the risk of a more substantial earthquake persists.
As a precaution, some local train services were temporarily suspended, and the Shinkansen bullet trains in the affected areas were operating at reduced speeds. Delays were reported on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which connects Tokyo and Osaka, between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations as safety checks were conducted by rail operator JR Central.
