A powerful earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, smashing storefront windows, sending residents rushing from buildings and injuring at least 22 people, Japanese media reported.
The Japan Meteorological Agency measured the quake at magnitude 5.7, while the U.S. Geological Survey estimated its strength at 5.5. Several smaller aftershocks followed.
The tremor affected a broad area around Aichi Prefecture, including Hamamatsu, the historic cities of Kyoto and Nara, Yamanashi Prefecture—home to Mount Fuji—and Gifu.
Television images showed broken shop windows and glass scattered across roads. In one bookstore, stacks of books had been thrown from shelves and piled across the floor.
Some of those injured reportedly fell on stairs as they attempted to evacuate.
The earthquake struck at 1:04 a.m. and originated roughly 25 miles beneath the ground in Shizuoka Prefecture, which borders Aichi.
The shaking was not felt in Tokyo, which is located farther from the affected area.
According to Japan’s official seismic assessments, the strongest shaking occurred in Aichi.
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The meteorological agency urged residents to prepare for more powerful earthquakes over the next week, with particular caution advised during the coming two to three days.
“Please remain alert for mudslides, falling rocks and potential impacts from rainfall,” agency official Ayataka Ebita told reporters.
Ebita said officials had not detected any apparent changes in the Nankai Trough, an offshore fault zone where scientists warn that a devastating megathrust earthquake could occur.
As a precaution, Shinkansen bullet trains in the region were operating at reduced speeds.
Earthquakes can sometimes damage the tracks and other infrastructure used by high-speed rail services.
Japan sits along one of the world’s most earthquake-prone zones.
Officials regularly advise residents to keep supplies such as bottled water, food and batteries on hand, identify places where they can shelter beneath sturdy tables and keep comfortable walking shoes nearby in case evacuation is necessary.
