More than 20 people have reportedly sustained injuries after a strong earthquake measuring 5.7 in magnitude shook central Japan, shattering store windows and prompting terrified residents to flee buildings in the dead of night. Local authorities and media outlets confirmed that the tremor caused widespread disruption across multiple prefectures.
Key Takeaways: The 5.7-magnitude quake struck at 1:04 am local time on Sunday at a depth of approximately 40 kilometres in western Shizuoka Prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. No tsunami warning was issued following the seismic event, though transportation networks experienced significant delays and safety suspensions.
According to statements from the Japanese regime and emergency management officials, the tremors affected a wide area near Aichi Prefecture, including the city of Hamamatsu, the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, and the mountainous prefectures of Yamanashi and Gifu. Japanese television broadcasts showed shattered shop windows, scattered glass shards across streets, and bookstores with mounds of fallen literature. Officials noted that several injuries occurred when residents tripped on stairwells while attempting to evacuate.
Tokyo, situated far from the epicentre, remained unaffected by the tremors, but safety protocols were swiftly activated across regional transit hubs. The meteorological agency warned the public to remain vigilant for potential strong aftershocks over the coming week, particularly within the next two to three days.
Agency official Ayataka Ebita supposedly told reporters that citizens should watch out for mudslides, falling rocks, and adverse weather effects from upcoming rainfall. He claimed that no apparent changes had been detected thus far in the Nankai Trough, an underwater tectonic trench where scientists warn a catastrophic megaquake could eventually occur.
Transport services faced immediate repercussions, with several local train routes suspended and high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains forced to operate at reduced speeds in affected zones as a precautionary measure. Rail operator JR Central reported delays along the Tokaido Shinkansen line connecting Tokyo and Osaka after mandatory safety checks were completed.
Source: www.aljazeera.com