Magnitude 5.7 earthquake hits central Japan, injuring more than 20 people
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck western Shizuoka Prefecture early on Sunday, injuring more than 20 people in Shizuoka and Aichi. No deaths or tsunami were reported.
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck western Shizuoka Prefecture in central Japan at about 1:04 a.m. local time on Sunday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, injuring more than 20 people in Shizuoka and neighbouring Aichi Prefecture, Kyodo News reported. The quake was centred at a depth of about 40 kilometres and was felt across a wide area, including the city of Hamamatsu and the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, Sky News reported.
AFP said emergency officials in Aichi reported 16 mostly minor injuries and authorities in Shizuoka confirmed at least three, while local media put the combined total at 24. Some people were hurt on stairs while fleeing their homes, and shop windows were shattered. No deaths were reported.
No tsunami warning was issued. Chubu Electric Power said it found no abnormalities at the Hamaoka nuclear power station in Shizuoka. The Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train ran at reduced speed between Shizuoka and Hashima in Gifu Prefecture, causing delays, and some conventional rail lines suspended service.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned residents to be prepared for strong aftershocks over the next two to three days, NHK reported, and the government set up an office to gather information on damage.
Injury figures are preliminary and may change as more reports come in.