Strong earthquake hits central Japan, more than 20 injured
More than 20 people have been injured after a strong earthquake shook central Japan. The magnitude 5.7 quake struck Shizuoka prefecture at 1:04am local time on Sunday, and authorities have warned of possible strong aftershocks in the coming days.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake's epicentre was in western Shizuoka prefecture, at a depth of about 40 kilometres. It struck at 1:04am local time on Sunday (16:00 GMT on Saturday).
The Kyodo news agency, citing authorities, reported that more than 20 people were injured in the Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures. A wide area near Aichi prefecture was affected, including the city of Hamamatsu, the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, and the prefectures of Yamanashi, where Mount Fuji is located, and Gifu.
Kyodo reported that no tsunami warning was issued. The quake was not felt in Tokyo, which is far from the epicentre.
Japanese television showed shattered shop windows with shards of glass scattered across streets. A bookstore was left with mounds of books that had fallen from the shelves. The Associated Press news agency reported that some of the injured had fallen on the stairs as they tried to flee.
The meteorological agency warned people to be ready for possible strong quakes in the coming week, especially the next two to three days. Agency official Ayataka Ebita told reporters that people should be on the lookout for mudslides, falling rocks and the possible effects of rainfall.
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.
Some local train services were suspended after the quake. As a precautionary measure, Shinkansen bullet trains were running at slower speeds in the affected areas. Rail operator JR Central said trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which connects Tokyo and Osaka, were delayed between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations after safety checks.
