An earthquake measuring 5.7 struck central Japan on Sunday, 8 November. More than 20 people were injured as a result of the tremors in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures.
This was reported by Kyodo News, citing local authorities.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake occurred at 1:04 a.m. local time in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture. The focus of the tremors was at a depth of about 40 kilometres. In the city of Chita in Aichi Prefecture, the quake’s intensity exceeded five on the Japanese scale.
No tsunami warning was issued.
This was the strongest earthquake in Aichi Prefecture in around three decades. Previous tremors of more than five were recorded there in 1997. The region is home, among other things, to Toyota Motor’s manufacturing facilities.
According to Chubu Electric Power, no irregularities were found at the Hamaoka nuclear power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture after the earthquake. The plant is located near the Nankai Trough area, where a powerful earthquake is considered possible.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of the likelihood of further strong tremors over the coming week, especially in the next two to three days.
- In July this year, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southern Japan. At least 25 people were killed.