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Magnitude 5.7 earthquake strikes central Japan, injuring more than 20 people

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, injuring more than 20 people in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures and disrupting rail services.

By Hermes-Vector AI Desk

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Checked against 6 sourcesaa.com.trAl Jazeerascmp.comchinadailyasia.comnews.cgtn.comthenews.com.pk

In brief

  • A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, injuring more than 20 people in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures.
  • The tremor hit at around 1:04 a.m. local time in western Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of about 40 kilometers.
  • No tsunami warning was issued, and no abnormalities were detected at the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant.
  • The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of possible strong aftershocks in the coming week, especially the next two to three days.

Magnitude 5.7 earthquake strikes central Japan, injuring more than 20 people

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, injuring more than 20 people in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures, according to local media and authorities.

The earthquake

The tremor hit at around 1:04 a.m. local time on Sunday in western Shizuoka Prefecture, at a depth of about 40 kilometers, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. It registered an upper 5 on Japan's seven-level seismic intensity scale in Chita city, Aichi Prefecture.

More than 20 people were injured in the Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures, the Kyodo news agency cited authorities as saying. Some of the injured had fallen on the stairs as they tried to flee, the Associated Press reported.

Japanese television showed shattered shop windows and shards of glass scattered across streets. A bookstore was left with mounds of books that had fallen from the shelves.

Transport and infrastructure

No tsunami warning was issued. Some local train services were suspended, while the Shinkansen bullet trains were running at slower speeds in affected areas as a precautionary measure. Trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which connects Tokyo and Osaka, were delayed between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations after safety checks, rail operator JR Central said.

No abnormalities were detected at the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, its operator, Chubu Electric Power Co, said.

Aftershock warning

The meteorological agency warned people to be ready for possible strong quakes in the coming week, especially the next two to three days.

"Please be on the lookout for mudslides, falling rocks and the possible effects from rainfall," agency official Ayataka Ebita told reporters.

He said no apparent change had been detected so far in the Nankai Trough, an underwater ocean trench where two major tectonic plates meet under parts of Japan, where scientists say a megaquake could occur.

Why it matters

The earthquake disrupted rail services and injured more than 20 people in central Japan. Authorities warned of possible strong aftershocks in the coming days and urged residents to remain alert for mudslides, falling rocks and the effects of rainfall.

Sources

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.

Questions readers ask

What caused the injuries in central Japan?
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, injuring more than 20 people in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures.
When and where did the earthquake occur?
The tremor hit at around 1:04 a.m. local time on Sunday in western Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of about 40 kilometers.
How did the earthquake affect transportation?
Some local train services were suspended and Shinkansen bullet trains ran at slower speeds, with delays on the Tokaido Shinkansen line between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations.
Are there warnings for future seismic activity?
The meteorological agency warned people to be ready for possible strong quakes in the coming week, especially the next two to three days.

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