A strong earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck central Japan on 8 November, injuring more than 25 people. The tremors damaged shops and residential buildings, disrupted rail services and forced people to evacuate their homes in the middle of the night. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of the risk of further strong earthquakes over the coming days.
- An earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck central Japan at a depth of 41 kilometres.
- According to the latest reports, more than 25 people have been injured and buildings have been damaged.
- The strongest tremors were recorded in the prefecture of Aiti, in the town of Tita.
- The earthquake caused delays to high-speed trains and disruptions to rail services.
- Japanese seismologists have warned of possible strong aftershocks in the coming days.
An earthquake struck several prefectures in central Japan
The earthquake struck on 8 November at 01:04 local time. Its epicentre was in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture, and the focus lay at a depth of approximately 41 kilometres. According to Japanese seismologists, the magnitude was 5.7, whilst the US Geological Survey put it at 5.5.
The strongest tremors were recorded in the town of Tita in Aichi Prefecture, where the intensity reached 5+ on the Japanese seven-point seismic intensity scale. Noticeable tremors were also felt in Hamamatsu, Nagoya, parts of Gifu and Nagano prefectures, and other parts of central Japan. The tremors were even felt in Kyoto and Nara.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued an emergency earthquake warning. There was no risk of a tsunami following the tremors.
More than 25 people injured, smashed shop windows and a halt to train services
Initial reports in the Japanese media indicated that there were at least 22 casualties. TV Asahi later clarified that more than 25 people were injured. Two of those injured are in a serious condition.
Some people sustained injuries whilst trying to leave the buildings. In particular, in Aichi Prefecture, a woman broke her ankle after falling on the stairs. In Shizuoka, several women required medical attention after being injured by the tremors.
In the city of Toyohashi, an earthquake shattered the shop window of a car dealership, and shards of glass littered the pavement. In a bookshop in Toyota, hundreds of books fell from the shelves. In some areas, there were reports of damage to fences, localised disruptions to the water supply and rocks falling onto the roads.
The underground tremors also disrupted rail services. Shinkansen high-speed trains were running at reduced speeds on certain sections, causing delays. Some regular rail services were temporarily suspended whilst the tracks were inspected.
Seismologists have warned of possible further tremors
Aftershocks were recorded following the main earthquake in central Japan. The Meteorological Agency has urged residents in the areas that experienced the strongest tremors to remain cautious over the coming week.
Seismologists have drawn particular attention to the next two or three days, when the likelihood of strong aftershocks remains high. Local residents have also been advised to be on the lookout for landslides and rockfalls, particularly during rainfall.
Earthquake occurred within the area associated with the Nankai Trough, where Japanese scientists have long been studying the risks of a major seismic disaster. However, JMA experts stated that the current observations do not indicate any unusual changes in the state of the tectonic plates that would suggest a major earthquake is imminent.
According to Japanese energy officials, no malfunctions were detected at the Hamaoka nuclear power station following the tremors. Emergency services and local authorities are continuing to assess the damage and determine the number of people affected.
