Japan quake injures 22 in central region

At least 22 people were injured when a strong earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday morning. Local media reported that the tremor broke store windows and caused people to rush out of buildings to seek safety in the streets.

The Japan Meteorological Agency calculated the earthquake's magnitude at 5.7. The United States Geological Survey assessed the event at magnitude 5.5. Smaller aftershocks followed the initial shock. The epicenter was located approximately 25 miles beneath the surface in Shizuoka Prefecture.

The quake occurred at 1:04 a.m. The Aichi Prefecture region experienced the most intense shaking, according to official seismic evaluations. The tremors affected a wide area, including the city of Hamamatsu and the former capitals of Kyoto and Nara. Neighboring prefectures of Yamanashi, home to Mount Fuji, and Gifu were also impacted.

Television footage showed broken glass scattered across streets and damaged shopfronts. In one bookstore, piles of books lay on the floor after falling from shelves. Among the injured were individuals who fell down stairs while attempting to evacuate buildings.

Tokyo was far enough from the epicenter that residents did not feel the shaking. As a precaution, Shinkansen bullet trains reduced their speeds in the affected areas. Engineers often slow these trains because earthquakes can damage the tracks they use.

Ayataka Ebita, a spokesperson for the meteorological agency, warned the public to prepare for possible strong earthquakes in the coming days. He urged residents to watch for landslides, falling rocks, and the effects of rain. Ebita stated that no apparent changes had been detected in the Nankai Trough plate, where scientists believe a megathrust earthquake could potentially occur.

Authorities in Japan frequently advise residents to stock bottled water, food, and batteries. They also recommend having plans to take cover under tables and keeping comfortable walking shoes nearby.