At least 22 injured as 5.7-magnitude earthquake strikes central Japan

TOKYO — At least 22 people were injured after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, November 8, damaging buildings and disrupting train services, according to local authorities and the Associated Press.

The earthquake struck at 1:04 a.m., with its epicenter in western Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of approximately 41 kilometers, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

Injuries were reported in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures, including among residents who fell while attempting to flee during the tremors.

The quake registered an intensity of upper 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale in Chita City, Aichi Prefecture, marking the strongest shaking recorded in the prefecture since March 1997.

An intensity of lower 5 was also recorded in parts of Aichi, Shizuoka, Gifu and Nagano prefectures.

The earthquake shattered storefront windows, knocked merchandise from shelves and disrupted regional train services, including Shinkansen bullet trains, which were delayed or operated at reduced speeds for safety checks.

No tsunami warning was issued, and no abnormalities were detected at the Hamaoka nuclear power plant in Shizuoka, according to its operator, Chubu Electric Power Co.

Following the earthquake, JMA official Ayataka Ebita warned residents to remain alert for further strong tremors over the coming week, particularly during the next two to three days.

He also cautioned that rainfall could increase the risk of landslides and falling rocks in areas affected by strong shaking.

Regarding the Nankai Trough, where a major earthquake is considered possible, the agency said no apparent changes had

been detected following Sunday's tremor.

Meanwhile, a separate 4.3-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan later Sunday morning, with no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries.

Japan lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world's most seismically active regions.ns, making it particularly vulnerable to earthquake