Japan earthquakes: Magnitude 5.7 quake injures more than 20 in central Japan

A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.7 struck central Japan early on Sunday, injuring more than 20 people and shattering store windows, according to local media and authorities. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake hit at 1:04 a.m. local time at a depth of about 40 kilometres (25 miles) in western Shizuoka Prefecture. The quake was felt over a wide area around Aichi Prefecture.

Damage and injuries across several prefectures

Kyodo News, citing authorities, said more than 20 people were injured in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures. Japanese television showed shattered shop windows and glass scattered across streets. A bookstore had books piled on the floor after they fell from shelves.

The Associated Press reported that some of the injured fell on stairs while trying to leave buildings. Smaller aftershocks have followed the main quake, according to the agency.

The shaking reached areas including the city of Hamamatsu, the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, and the prefectures of Yamanashi, home to Mount Fuji, and Gifu. The quake was not felt in Tokyo, which is far from the epicentre.

Transport and precautions

Some local train services were suspended. Shinkansen bullet trains were running at reduced speeds in affected areas as a precaution. JR Central said Tokaido Shinkansen trains were delayed between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations after safety checks.

Reports differ slightly on the number of prefectures affected. Some outlets described a wide area, while others named the specific prefectures where injuries were reported.

Warnings for the coming days

Agency official Ayataka Ebita urged residents to stay alert for possible strong quakes in the coming week, particularly over the next two to three days. He also warned of mudslides, falling rocks and possible effects from rainfall.

Ebita said no apparent change had so far been detected in the Nankai Trough, an underwater trench where two major tectonic plates meet off parts of Japan. Scientists say a megaquake could occur there, but officials have not linked Sunday's quake to that zone.

What we know so far

The magnitude figure is preliminary and the injury count may change as authorities compile reports. Residents have been advised to remain cautious about aftershocks, landslides and falling debris in the days ahead.