Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Hits Central Japan, Injuring Over 20 People

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday morning, injuring more than 20 people across Shizuoka and Aichi prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the tremor occurred at 1:04 a.m. local time at a depth of approximately 40 kilometres in western Shizuoka.

The shaking affected a broad region of central Japan, including the city of Hamamatsu as well as Gifu, Yamanashi, and the historic cities of Kyoto and Nara. Local media broadcasts showed shattered shop windows and glass scattered across streets in affected areas. According to news agency reports, several of the injuries occurred when residents fell on stairways while attempting to evacuate buildings. The earthquake was not felt in Tokyo.

No tsunami warning was issued following the event. However, the Japan Meteorological Agency advised the public to remain prepared for potential strong aftershocks over the coming week, particularly during the subsequent two to three days. Agency official Ayataka Ebita told reporters to “be on the lookout for mudslides, falling rocks and the possible effects from rainfall.” Ebita added that monitoring revealed no abnormal changes in the Nankai Trough, an ocean trench where major seismic activity is monitored.

Transport operations across the region were altered as precautionary measures. Rail operator JR Central reported that services on the Tokaido Shinkansen line between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations experienced delays due to mandatory safety inspections. High-speed bullet trains operated at reduced speeds through the affected sectors, while several local rail lines were temporarily suspended.

Written by Sandy van Dongen sandy.vandongen@alpineweekly.com