Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Hits Shizuoka
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan on Sunday at 01:04 local time, injuring at least 24 people across Shizuoka and Aichi prefectures, according to detikNews.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the epicenter was located in western Shizuoka at a depth of about 40 kilometers, with no tsunami warning issued.
According to detikNews, an emergency official in Aichi stated that authorities received 16 injury reports, mostly minor. In Shizuoka, authorities reported three women required emergency medical treatment, including a woman in her nineties with a shoulder injury from falling out of bed.
Shinkansen Delays and Airport Line Shutdowns Disrupt Travel
The earthquake caused temporary suspensions and delays on regional railway lines, including the Shinkansen bullet train, as reported by detikNews. added that the Tokaido Shinkansen experienced delays of up to one hour, while the Meitetsu Airport Line between Tokoname and Chubu Centrair International Airport was completely shut down during the morning.
Major airlines maintained normal operations despite the ground transport disruptions, according to Kompas. Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways both confirmed that their flights operated as scheduled, though they advised passengers to verify local transport conditions before traveling to the airport.
Earthquake Causes Injuries and Property Damage Across Aichi and Shizuoka
Local newspapers Chunichi Shimbun and Tokai Television reported at least 24 injuries across Aichi and Shizuoka, according to CNN Indonesia. noted via Kyodo News that the strongest shaking reached an upper 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale in Chita, Aichi prefecture.
Property damage included broken windows at a car dealership in Toyohashi and items knocked off shelves at a large bookstore in Toyota, as outlined by detikNews. noted that the tremors were felt as far west as Osaka, where a foreign resident was hospitalized after falling from a second-floor apartment balcony.
Seismic Context in Kumamoto
A separate earthquake with a magnitude of 4.3 struck the Kumamoto region at 10:53 local time on Sunday, according to CNBC Indonesia. Authorities reported no immediate damage or injuries from this second tremor, which followed earlier seismic activity in the southwestern region.
Common Questions About the Japan Earthquake
Was a tsunami warning issued after the Shizuoka earthquake?
No, the Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that no tsunami warnings were issued following the magnitude 5.7 tremor, as reported by detikNews and CNN Indonesia.
How many people were injured in the Shizuoka and Aichi prefectures?
Local media outlets Chunichi Shimbun and Tokai Television reported that at least 24 people sustained injuries, most of which were classified as minor, according to detikNews and CNN Indonesia.
Did the earthquake affect flights at Chubu Centrair International Airport?
Flights operated normally, but rail access to Chubu Centrair International Airport was temporarily suspended during the morning hours, according to Kompas.
Earlier coverage: Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Hits Central Japan, Injuring More Than 25 People