Japan earthquake injures over 20 in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures
A magnitude-5.7 quake struck western Shizuoka, Japan, on November 8, injuring over 20 people in Aichi and Shizuoka and disrupting trains. No tsunami warning was issued.
- A magnitude-5.7 earthquake in central Japan has injured more than 20 people across the Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures.
- The tremor, which struck in the early hours of Sunday, had its epicentre in western Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of 40 kilometres.
- Rail services were disrupted whilst safety inspections were carried out, causing delays to local lines and the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train.
- No tsunami warning was issued, and the nearby Hamaoka nuclear power station reported no abnormalities.
A magnitude-5.7 earthquake struck central Japan in the early hours of Sunday (November 8), injuring more than 20 people in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures and disrupting rail services, including services on the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train line.
No tsunami warning was issued.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake occurred at 1.04am local time, with its epicentre in western Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of approximately 40 kilometres.
The Japanese government subsequently established a liaison office to coordinate its response to the quake.
The strongest shaking was recorded in Chita, Aichi Prefecture, where seismic intensity reached upper 5 (5+) on Japan's seismic intensity scale. Lower 5 (5−) readings were also registered in parts of Aichi, Nagano and Gifu prefectures.
At upper 5, people may struggle to walk without holding on to something, while unsecured furniture may topple over, according to Kyodo News.
At lower 5, household items such as dishes and books can fall from shelves.
No abnormalities detected at Hamaoka nuclear plant
Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc., which operates the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Station in Shizuoka Prefecture, reported no abnormalities at the facility following the earthquake.
The station lies near the projected source area of a potential major earthquake along the Nankai Trough.
However, the JMA considered a link between Sunday's earthquake and a possible major Nankai Trough earthquake unlikely.
Earthquake disrupts local and high-speed rail services
Rail operators reported suspensions on some local lines and delays to Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train services between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations while safety inspections were carried out.
