Local media reported at least 22 injuries after an earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, while Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned of additional strong tremors, the Associated Press reported.
The agency said strong shaking remained possible through the coming week, with the next two to three days the most immediate period for concern. JMA official Ayataka Ebita also warned people to watch for mudslides, falling rocks and effects of rainfall, AP reported.
The agencies differed on the quake’s magnitude: JMA recorded 5.7, while the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded 5.5. The quake occurred about 40 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface in Shizuoka Prefecture; official seismic assessments placed the strongest shaking in neighboring Aichi.
Japanese television footage showed broken storefront windows and glass scattered in streets, AP reported. Some people were injured after falling on stairs while trying to leave buildings. The affected area around Aichi included Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara, Yamanashi and Gifu. Train operators cut Shinkansen speeds in quake-affected areas as a precaution, AP reported.
Ebita said monitoring had not identified a new change at the Nankai Trough plate so far. Scientists say the area could be the site of a major earthquake. Japan is earthquake-prone, and authorities regularly advise people to keep supplies such as water, food and batteries ready and plan where to take shelter, AP reported.
