Magnitude 5.7 quake rattles central Japan, injuring 20

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned residents to prepare for strong aftershocks in the days following a magnitude 5.7 earthquake that struck western Shizuoka Prefecture at 1:04 a.m. local time on Sunday.

At least 20 people were injured in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures, according to authorities cited by the Kyodo news agency. The tremor occurred at a depth of approximately 40 kilometers. No tsunami warning was issued, and the shaking was not felt in Tokyo, which lies far from the epicenter.

The impact extended across a wide region, including the city of Hamamatsu, the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, and the prefectures of Yamanashi and Gifu. Yamanashi is home to Mount Fuji. Japanese television footage showed shattered shop windows and glass scattered across streets. At one location, mounds of books lay on the floor after falling from shelves.

Associated Press reported that some injuries resulted from people falling on stairs while fleeing buildings. Ayataka Ebita, an agency official, told reporters to watch for mudslides, falling rocks, and effects from rainfall. He noted that no apparent change had been detected in the Nankai Trough, an underwater trench where two major tectonic plates meet.

JR Central, the rail operator, stated that Tokaido Shinkansen trains were delayed between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations for safety checks. Other local train services were suspended, while bullet trains operated at slower speeds in affected areas as a precaution.

The agency emphasized the risk of strong quakes in the coming week, particularly over the next two to three days. The Nankai Trough is a location where scientists say a megaquake could occur. The initial event was followed by immediate transport disruptions and structural damage assessments.