Central Japan Quake Injures at Least 22 and Slows Bullet Trains

A strong earthquake shook central Japan at 1:04 a.m. Sunday, shattering store windows, sending people running out of buildings and injuring at least 22, according to local media cited by The Associated Press. Authorities said there is no tsunami risk, but the Japan Meteorological Agency warned that more strong quakes are possible over the coming days.

Bullet trains were running at reduced speeds in the affected areas as a precaution. Here is what is known so far.

Where did the earthquake strike and how strong was it?

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) put the preliminary magnitude at 5.7 and placed the epicenter in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture, at a depth of about 40 kilometers (25 miles). The U.S. Geological Survey measured it slightly lower, at magnitude 5.5, the AP reported. Agencies often produce different early figures for the same quake.

The most violent shaking was in neighboring Aichi Prefecture. According to the Times of India, citing Japanese media, the city of Chita registered upper 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale. Parts of Aichi, Nagano and Gifu prefectures recorded lower 5. The AP said the quake was not felt in Tokyo, which is far from the affected area.

Who was hurt, and what damage has been reported?

At least 22 people were injured, according to local media reports carried by the AP and India Today. Some were hurt when they fell on stairs while trying to leave buildings.

Japanese television footage showed broken store windows and glass scattered across streets. A bookstore was left with piles of books that had been thrown from its shelves. Videos posted on social media, as described by India Today, showed buildings shaking and the inside of the bookstore. Smaller aftershocks followed the main quake.

Is there a tsunami threat?

No. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on X that there was no tsunami risk, and India Today reported that no tsunami warning was issued.

Takaichi said the government had set up a liaison office at the Prime Minister's Office Crisis Management Centre to monitor the situation and coordinate the response. She said she had directed officials to assess the damage and give the public accurate information.

What does this mean for residents and travelers?

The JMA told people to be ready for possible strong quakes in the coming week, especially in the next two to three days. Takaichi likewise asked people in areas that felt strong shaking to stay alert for another quake of similar size.

JMA official Ayataka Ebita also urged vigilance for mudslides, falling rocks and the possible effects of rainfall, the AP reported.

For travelers, Shinkansen bullet trains were running more slowly in the affected areas. The AP noted that quakes can sometimes damage the tracks, which is why the slower speeds are a precaution. The affected zone reportedly stretches across a wide area near Aichi, including the city of Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara, Gifu and Yamanashi Prefecture, where Mount Fuji is located, according to the AP.

Does this change the risk of a larger earthquake?

Not so far, according to the agency. Ebita said no apparent change had been detected in the Nankai Trough plate, where scientists say a megaquake could possibly strike. The agency is continuing to monitor the situation.

How do people in Japan usually prepare for quakes?

Japan is prone to earthquakes, and the AP noted that authorities regularly tell people to stock bottled water, food and batteries, to plan to take cover under tables and to keep comfortable walking shoes within reach.

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Around Prague, based on reporting by The Times of India, WRAL, India Today