5.7-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Central Japan, Injures at Least 22

At least 22 people have been injured after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, shattering shop windows, damaging property and disrupting railway services.

The earthquake occurred at 1:04 a.m. local time in Shizuoka Prefecture, west of Tokyo, at a depth of approximately 40 kilometres, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The tremor affected several areas, including Aichi, Shizuoka, Gifu, Yamanashi, Kyoto and Nara. The strongest shaking was recorded in Aichi Prefecture, while residents in other parts of the region also reported feeling the tremors.

Japanese television footage showed shattered storefront windows and broken glass scattered across streets. Items were also thrown from shelves in shops, including a bookstore where large quantities of books fell to the floor.

Some of the injured reportedly fell while attempting to escape buildings during the shaking. Local media later reported that the number of injured could be as high as 24 across Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures.

No deaths had been reported as of the latest accounts, and authorities said no tsunami warning was issued.

The earthquake also disrupted transportation, with some regional train services temporarily suspended or delayed. Shinkansen bullet trains operating in affected areas were running at reduced speeds as a precaution while safety checks were carried out.

Following the tremor, the Japan Meteorological Agency warned residents to remain alert for possible strong aftershocks over the coming week, particularly within the next two to three days.

Agency official Ayataka Ebita also urged people in affected areas to watch out for landslides and falling rocks, especially if rainfall occurs.

Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area characterised by frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

The country remains deeply affected by the memory of the magnitude-9.0 earthquake that struck in March 2011, triggering a devastating tsunami that killed or left missing about 18,500 people and caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster.