20 injured as 5.7-magnitude earthquake strikes central Japan

TOKYO: An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.7 struck central Japan early today, injuring at least 20 people in Aichi Prefecture.

The 1.04am tremor originated in western Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of about 40 kilometres and registered upper 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale in Chita, Aichi Prefecture, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

An intensity of lower 5 was recorded in parts of Aichi, Nagano and Gifu prefectures.

The government set up a liaison office to respond to the quake.

The agency said the quake posed no tsunami risk.

Tremors were felt across neighbouring prefectures, including Yamanashi.

In Aichi Prefecture, the fire department reported that two people in Toyota City were likely injured.

Authorities urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant, warning that aftershocks could occur in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Tohoku Shinkansen services between Tokyo and Iwate were temporarily disrupted before resuming.

Japan is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area characterised by frequent seismic and volcanic activity.