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

Earthquake strikes central Japan

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, November 8, injuring more than 20 people in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures, according to local media reports cited by Anadolu Agency. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the earthquake originated in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of about 40 kilometers (25 miles). The tremor was recorded at approximately 1:04 a.m. local time.

The South China Morning Post reported that the quake struck Japan's Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures early Sunday morning and was the strongest quake to hit Aichi in nearly three decades. The Philippine Canadian Inquirer said the tremor was strongly felt in neighboring Aichi Prefecture, as well as parts of Nagano and Gifu, with shaking also reported in areas including Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara and Yamanashi.

Injuries and damage

Authorities reported no deaths. The Philippine Canadian Inquirer said several people sustained injuries after falling while trying to escape buildings, and some residents required medical attention after being hurt inside their homes. The News.com.pk reported that at least 22 to 24 people have been reported injured, mostly sustaining minor injuries from falls while evacuating or from shattered glass, fallen items, and household objects.

The earthquake shattered shop windows and sent merchandise tumbling from shelves. The Philippine Canadian Inquirer reported images from affected areas showed broken glass scattered along streets and goods scattered across store floors. The News.com.pk reported scattered property damage, including shattered storefront windows, temporary water supply issues in parts of Higashiura, and goods tumbling off shelves.

Transport and infrastructure

The earthquake forced authorities to suspend some local train services. The News.com.pk reported that regional train services and Tokaido Shinkansen bullet trains experienced temporary suspensions or reduced-speed runs while tracks were inspected for safety. RBC-Ukraine reported that Tokaido Shinkansen bullet trains temporarily experienced delays and operated at reduced speeds between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations, but services were fully restored by noon.

No tsunami warning was issued. Anadolu Agency reported no abnormalities were detected at the Hamaoka nuclear power plant in Shizuoka, according to its operator, Chubu Electric Power Co. The News.com.pk reported utility operators confirmed no abnormalities at nearby nuclear facilities, such as the Hamaoka nuclear power plant.

Aftershocks and official warnings

The Japan Meteorological Agency urged residents in affected communities to remain alert for possible strong aftershocks over the coming days, particularly within the next two to three days. Officials also warned of possible landslides and falling rocks, especially if rainfall occurs. The News.com.pk quoted agency official Ayataka Ebita: "Please be on the lookout for mudslides, falling rocks and the possible effects from rainfall."

Authorities said there were no apparent changes detected in the Nankai Trough, an area where scientists have long warned of the possibility of a major earthquake. The News.com.pk reported the JMA warned that potential aftershocks and localized rain could raise the risk of minor landslides or falling rocks over the coming days.

Later earthquake in Kumamoto

Hours later, a separate earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, though no additional injuries or major damage were reported, according to the South China Morning Post. Anadolu Agency reported a 4.3 magnitude earthquake hit the Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan on Sunday morning. RBC-Ukraine reported that later that morning, at around 10:53 a.m., another earthquake with a magnitude of 4.3 struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan.

Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and directly atop four major tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active countries in the world, according to Anadolu Agency. RBC-Ukraine noted that previously, on July 28, a destructive 7.1-magnitude earthquake was recorded in Kumamoto.

Why it matters

The earthquake was the strongest to hit Aichi in nearly three decades and disrupted regional rail services and Shinkansen bullet trains. Authorities confirmed no deaths, no tsunami threat, and no abnormalities at the Hamaoka nuclear power plant, while warning residents to remain alert for aftershocks and possible landslides.

Sources

• wilmingtonbiz.com: Wilmington developer takes first video game to market | WilmingtonBiz
• scmp.com: Magnitude 5.7 earthquake strikes central Japan, injuring over 20 | South China Morning Post
• aa.com.tr: 20 injured in 5.7 magnitude earthquake in central Japan
• thenews.com.pk: Magnitude 5.7 earthquake strikes central Japan, Leaving over 20 Injured as aftershocks loom
• canadianinquirer.net: Magnitude 5.7 earthquake injures more than 20 in central Japan - Philippine Canadian Inquirer Nationwide Filipino Newspaper
• newsukraine.rbc.ua: Strong 5.7-magnitude earthquake hits Japan, injuring more than 20 people | RBC-Ukraine

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