22 injured in Central Japan earthquake

Just a few hours after midnight fell silent, central Japan was suddenly awakened by a powerful tremor. This strong earthquake, which occurred around 1:04 AM on Sunday, caused frightened people to run out of buildings, and shop windows shattered, scattering glass across the streets.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 5.7 on the Richter scale, originated approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) deep beneath the ground in western Shizuoka Prefecture. Although the tremor was not felt in the distant capital of Tokyo, its impact spread across a wide area. The quake was felt in Yamanashi, Gifu (where Mount Fuji is located), as well as in the historic capitals of Kyoto and Nara, and a large region around Aichi Prefecture, including Hamamatsu city.

The Kyodo News Agency, quoting authorities, reports that more than twenty people were injured in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures due to this disaster. The Associated Press points out that some people were injured after falling down staircases while trying to flee from buildings. Scenes broadcast on Japanese television channels showed piles of books fallen from bookstore shelves and shattered shop windows scattered across the streets. However, no tsunami warning was issued after this event.

Transportation was also disrupted by the tremor. As a precautionary measure, Shinkansen bullet trains in the affected areas were operated at reduced speeds, and some local train services had to be temporarily suspended. JR Central, a railway operating company, confirmed that services on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which connects Tokyo and Osaka, were delayed between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations due to safety inspections.

The Meteorological Agency warns that even though the earthquake has ended, the risk has not yet passed. The agency emphasizes that people should be prepared for the possibility of more strong aftershocks throughout the coming week, especially within the next two to three days.

Ayataka Ebita, an official from the agency, stated at a press conference that they are closely monitoring the potential impacts of landslides, rockfalls, and rainfall. However, he also revealed that no clear changes have been observed so far in the Nankai Trough, an oceanic trench where two major tectonic plates meet beneath parts of Japan, and which scientists suggest could be the site of a massive mega-earthquake.