A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.7 rattled central Japan early Sunday, leaving dozens injured and causing damage to buildings and transportation networks. The quake struck at 1:04 am local time (1604 GMT Saturday) in Shizuoka Prefecture, located west of Tokyo, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. No tsunami warning was issued.
While no fatalities have been reported, the tremor shattered storefront windows, sent items tumbling from shelves, and disrupted train services across parts of the country. An emergency official in Aichi Prefecture told AFP that authorities had received 16 reports of injuries, most of which were minor.
The quake occurred in a region that sits on one of the world's most active seismic zones. Japan experiences frequent earthquakes due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet. The country has stringent building codes and emergency protocols in place to mitigate damage and casualties from such events.
Local media reports indicated that the shaking was felt across a wide area, including parts of Tokyo, though the capital did not appear to suffer significant damage. Officials are continuing to assess the full extent of the impact, and residents in affected areas are advised to remain cautious of potential aftershocks.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that aftershocks could continue for several days. Authorities are urging residents to stay alert and to follow official updates. Despite the disruption, there have been no reports of major structural collapses or life-threatening injuries, a testament to the country's preparedness and rapid response measures.
This event serves as a reminder of the constant threat posed by earthquakes in Japan. The government and local authorities are working to ensure the safety of all residents and to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
