More than 20 people hurt as earthquake hits central Japan, injuring residents as agency warns of stronger quakes

Quake shakes central Japan

The earthquake struck at 1:04am local time Sunday at a depth of about 40km in western Shizuoka Prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. That was 16:00 GMT on Saturday.

The affected area included Hamamatsu and parts of Aichi, as well as Kyoto, Nara, Yamanashi and Gifu prefectures. The quake was not felt in Tokyo, which is far from the epicentre. No tsunami warning was issued, Kyodo reported.

Injuries and damage reported

More than 20 people were injured in Aichi and Shizuoka, Kyodo cited authorities as saying. The Associated Press reported that some people fell on stairs while trying to get out of buildings.

Japanese television showed broken shop windows and glass scattered on streets. In one bookstore, books had fallen from shelves and formed piles on the floor.

Agency warns of aftershocks

The meteorological agency advised people to stay ready for possible strong earthquakes in the coming week, especially over the next two to three days. It also warned of mudslides, falling rocks and risks from rainfall.

Agency official Ayataka Ebita told reporters that no apparent change had so far been detected in the Nankai Trough, an underwater trench beneath parts of Japan where two major tectonic plates meet. Scientists say a megaquake could occur there.

Rail services affected

Some local train services were suspended, while Shinkansen bullet trains ran at reduced speeds in affected areas as a precaution. JR Central said safety checks delayed trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen line between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations. The line connects Tokyo and Osaka.