SRINAGAR: At least 24 people were injured after a strong earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, damaging buildings, shattering shop windows and disrupting railway operations.
The earthquake struck at 1:04 am local time, with its epicentre in western Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of around 40 kilometres, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
The JMA measured the earthquake at magnitude 5.7, while the United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated its magnitude at 5.5. No tsunami threat was reported following the tremor.
The strongest shaking was recorded in Chita in Aichi Prefecture, where the earthquake registered an upper 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale. Lower 5 intensity was reported in parts of Aichi, Nagano and Gifu prefectures.
The tremors were felt across a wide area of central Japan, including Hamamatsu and neighbouring regions. Several smaller aftershocks were also reported, prompting authorities to continue monitoring seismic activity.
Television footage showed shattered shop windows and broken glass scattered across streets. A bookstore was also left in disarray, with books knocked off shelves during the earthquake.
At least 24 people sustained injuries, with some reportedly falling down stairs while attempting to evacuate buildings.
The Japanese government established an emergency response office to coordinate relief operations and assess the damage.
Meanwhile, Shinkansen bullet trains were operating at reduced speeds in affected areas as a precaution amid concerns that seismic activity could damage railway infrastructure.
