In brief
An early‑morning quake measured 5.7 on the Richter scale, impacting central Japan’s Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures. Authorities report over 20 injuries, no tsunami warning, and disruptions to rail operations. The central government has set up a liaison office to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts.
A 5.7‑magnitude earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday morning at around 1:04 a.m. local time, Reuters and local sources say, with its epicentre located in western Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of about 40 kilometres. Authorities in Aichi and Shizuoka reported that the quake left more than 20 people injured, a figure echoed by Kyodo News and the Japanese Meteorological Agency.
The Japanese Meteorological Agency recorded a seismic intensity of upper‑5 on its seven‑level scale at Chita City in Aichi Prefecture, the highest rating of the day in that area. The tremor was felt across a wide region, but no tsunami warning was issued by officials, a statement confirmed by the Japan Coast Guard.
Chubu Electric Power Co., the operator of the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, said the facility experienced no abnormalities during the event. The plant’s safety systems remained fully operational, and there was no indication of any radiation release.
Impact on Transportation and Civil Services
Rail operators reported that some local train services were suspended as a precaution. The Tokaido Shinkansen—Japan’s high‑speed bullet train—was delayed between Shizuoka and Gifu‑Hashima stations while officials conducted safety inspections on the track and signalling systems. Railway stations in the affected prefectures saw a temporary halt in commuter trains, and authorities urged residents to use alternative routes until the surveys concluded.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism set up a liaison office to coordinate the emergency response and to oversee the restoration of transport links. Local police and fire departments assisted in checking building safety and providing medical services to those injured, according to statements from the Aichi Prefectural government.
Emergency medical teams treated more than 20 injured individuals, some of whom suffered fractures and head injuries. Hospitals in Nagoya and nearby cities received patients, and the national health ministry confirmed that no deaths were recorded in initial assessments.
In addition to transportation disruptions, the earthquake prompted a review of seismic safeguards at schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure across the prefectures. Officials said that schools were inspected for structural damage and that evacuation drills were reinforced to ensure readiness for further seismic events.
The central government’s liaison office serves as a hub for coordinating between local authorities, emergency services, and national agencies, and it will also monitor the status of utilities such as power, water, and telecommunications that might have been affected by the shock.
While the earthquake did not trigger a tsunami or significant ground fissures, the tremor's intensity was enough to cause windows to crack in some high‑rise buildings and to topple a delivery truck in a commercial district in Chita City. Residents reported that the shaking lasted roughly 30 seconds, and many felt the aftershocks over the subsequent hours.
As the strike response continues, officials are advising residents to stay alert for potential aftershocks and to check their homes for structural damage. Local governments are also encouraging the public to remain cautious, urging that evacuation plans remain ready, especially in coastal and hillside areas prone to secondary risks such as landslides.
