Earthquake hits central Japan, injuring more than 20 people

What the report says

More than 20 people were injured after a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan early on Sunday, shaking western Shizuoka prefecture and affecting a broad area of the region, according to Al Jazeera’s report citing local authorities, the Japan Meteorological Agency and Kyodo news agency. The quake hit at 1:04am local time at a depth of about 40km, with injuries reported in both Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures.

The article said the tremor broke shop windows, scattered glass across streets and caused falling objects inside stores, while some people were hurt as they tried to run from buildings. Video and television coverage showed damage in commercial areas, including a bookstore where books had fallen from shelves. No tsunami warning was issued, and the quake was not felt in Tokyo.

Japanese officials warned residents to prepare for possible strong aftershocks over the coming days, especially in the next two to three days, and advised caution around mudslides and falling rocks, particularly where rain could worsen conditions. The meteorological agency said it had not detected any immediate change in the Nankai Trough, an offshore fault zone that scientists monitor closely because of the risk of a major future earthquake.

Transport services were affected as a precaution. Some local trains were suspended, and Shinkansen services ran at reduced speed in parts of the affected area, with delays reported on the Tokaido line after safety checks.