More than 20 people were injured after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Japan during the early hours of Sunday. The tremor rattled several areas, shattering shop windows and prompting people to flee buildings. No tsunami warning was issued.
The earthquake struck at around 1.04 am local time, with its epicentre in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture, at a depth of approximately 40 km, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
As per a report by Japan Today, the strongest shaking was recorded in Aichi Prefecture, where the city of Chita experienced an upper 5 on Japan’s seven-level seismic intensity scale. Tremors were also felt in neighbouring prefectures, including Nagano and Gifu.
According to the latest updates, at least 22 people have been injured in the earthquake. Some sustained injuries while trying to evacuate buildings during the tremors.
DAMAGE AND DISRUPTION REPORTED
The earthquake shattered shop windows and scattered broken glass across streets in the affected areas. A bookstore also reported books falling off shelves and piling up on the floor.
According to media reports, the bullet train services in the affected region were operating at reduced speeds as a precautionary measure amid concerns about possible damage to railway infrastructure.
The JMA has urged residents in the affected areas to remain alert for possible aftershocks over the coming days. Authorities are also monitoring the situation for any further impact.
SOCIAL MEDIA FLOODED WITH VIDEOS
Following the earthquake, several videos capturing the impact of the tremors and the resulting damage surfaced on social media platforms.
One of the videos shows a man standing inside a bookstore, with several books scattered across the floor, apparently knocked off the shelves by the powerful tremors. The footage offers a glimpse of the disruption caused by the earthquake inside buildings.
Another video captures buildings shaking violently as the tremors rippled through the area. The structures can be seen swaying during the earthquake, highlighting the intensity of the shaking experienced by residents.
Several such videos have emerged on social media, showing the impact of the earthquake on buildings and everyday spaces across the affected areas.
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Source: www.indiatoday.in
