At least 22 people were injured after a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, shattering shop windows, sending books tumbling from shelves and prompting residents to flee buildings. Authorities have warned of the possibility of further strong tremors over the coming days.
The earthquake struck western Shizuoka Prefecture at 1.04 am local time, at a depth of approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles), according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The agency recorded the magnitude at 5.7, while the United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated it at 5.5.
The strongest shaking was recorded in neighbouring Aichi Prefecture, where the city of Chita experienced an upper-5 intensity on Japan's seven-level seismic scale. Several other locations in the region also reported strong tremors.
The earthquake affected a wide area around Aichi, including Hamamatsu in Shizuoka, the historic cities of Kyoto and Nara, and the neighbouring prefectures of Gifu and Yamanashi, where Mount Fuji is located. The tremors were not felt in Tokyo, which is farther from the epicentre.
No tsunami was triggered by the earthquake, and smaller aftershocks were reported following the main tremor.
Shop windows shattered, residents injured while fleeing
Japanese television footage showed shattered windows at shops and fragments of glass scattered across streets. A bookstore was left with large piles of books that had fallen from its shelves during the shaking.
At least 22 people were reported injured, with some sustaining injuries after falling down stairs while attempting to evacuate buildings. Local reports also indicated that people were hurt after losing their balance or falling during the tremors.
The JMA warned residents in affected areas to remain prepared for further strong earthquakes over the coming week, particularly during the next two to three days.
Ayataka Ebita, an official of the agency, urged people to remain alert to secondary hazards, including landslides and falling rocks.
“Please be on the lookout for mudslides, falling rocks and the possible effects from rainfall,” he told reporters.
The warning is particularly relevant if rainfall affects areas already destabilised by the earthquake, increasing the risk of landslides and falling debris.
No apparent change detected at Nankai Trough
The earthquake also drew attention to the Nankai Trough, an offshore geological zone where scientists have warned that a powerful megathrust earthquake could occur.
However, Ebita said no apparent change had been detected so far in the tectonic plate around the Nankai Trough following Sunday's tremor. Japanese authorities have not indicated that the earthquake triggered an increased risk of a major event in the region.
The Nankai Trough is a major seismic concern for Japan because of the possibility of a large earthquake along the boundary of tectonic plates beneath the country's Pacific coast. Authorities continue to monitor the region as part of the country's earthquake preparedness system.
Bullet train services slowed as precaution
The earthquake also affected rail operations in central Japan. Shinkansen bullet trains were running at reduced speeds in the affected areas as a precaution while railway operators assessed possible damage to tracks and infrastructure.
Services on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which connects Tokyo and Osaka, experienced delays between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations following safety checks. Some conventional railway services were also temporarily suspended.
Rail operators routinely carry out inspections after strong earthquakes because ground movement can damage tracks and other railway infrastructure, potentially posing risks to passengers.
The Japanese government also stepped up its response, with officials coordinating information gathering and assessing the impact of the earthquake in affected areas.
Japan remains on alert for seismic activity
Japan is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region characterised by frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The country experiences hundreds of earthquakes every year and has developed extensive monitoring and emergency response systems to deal with seismic threats.
Authorities regularly advise residents to maintain emergency supplies, including bottled water, food and batteries. People are also encouraged to identify safe places to shelter, such as beneath sturdy tables, and keep comfortable walking shoes readily available in case they need to evacuate.
Sunday's earthquake has renewed the warning for residents in central Japan to remain cautious, particularly as the meteorological agency expects the possibility of further strong tremors in the immediate aftermath.