In brief
A 5.7‑magnitude seismic event struck central Japan early Sunday, injuring more than 20 residents in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures. The quake, occurring about 40 km below the surface, produced an upper‑5 intensity in Chita City and triggered limited train service disruptions, but no tsunami was reported and the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant reported no anomalies.
A 5.7‑magnitude earthquake rattled central Japan early Sunday morning, injuring more than 20 people in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures and disrupting local transport services. The tremor struck at about 1:04 a.m. local time in western Shizuoka, with the epicenter roughly 40 km beneath the surface, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The quake registered an upper‑5 intensity on Japan’s seven‑level seismic intensity scale in Chita City, Aichi Prefecture, causing windows to shatter and some buildings to experience minor cracks. Residents in the area reported hearing sheets of glass break and feeling the ground rattle beneath them.
At least 20 people were hospitalized with injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to more severe trauma. Local emergency services were called to the scene and responded quickly, but the number of wounded has not yet been lowered as medical teams assess the situation.
While the quake rattled the region, it did not trigger a tsunami warning. Meteorological officials confirmed that there was no significant rise in sea level and that offshore currents remained stable.
Achive of the crisis included the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant, operated by Chubu Electric Power Co. In a statement, the operator reported no abnormalities at the facility and that all safety systems were functioning within normal parameters.
Rail operators noted that several local train services were suspended in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. The high‑speed Tokaido Shinkansen bullet trains were delayed between Shizuoka and Gifu‑Hashima stations while line‑safety checks were carried out, according to railway officials.
In response to the incident, the central government convened a liaison office to coordinate rescue, medical, and transportation efforts across the affected prefectures. The office will work with local authorities, emergency services, and transport operators to ensure the full coordination of response efforts.
Both Kyodo News, the Japanese wire service, and an unnamed local news outlet reported the depth of the quake as roughly 40 km, a figure affirmed by the JMA. The seismic event is also recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey and international monitoring agencies, which corroborate the magnitude and depth reported by Japanese officials.
The Alarms in local communities were issued as early as 1 a.m., and the emergency sirens have since been silenced. Both the Aichi and Shizuoka governments are continuing to monitor aftershocks, and instructions to stay inside safe spots have been passed to residents.
