Strong 5.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Japan, over 20 people injured

Seismic tremors in central Japan

On Sunday, 8 November, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake shook the central part of Japan. According to Kyodo News, citing local authorities, more than 20 people were injured in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures as a result of the incident.

Details of the seismic event

According to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicentre of the earthquake was located in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture. The tremors began at 1:04 local time. The depth of the hypocentre was approximately 40 kilometres.

In the city of Chita, which is part of Aichi Prefecture, the intensity of the vibrations exceeded five on the Japanese scale. Despite the significant force of the tremors, no tsunami warning was issued.

Impact on industry and infrastructure

This earthquake was the strongest in Aichi Prefecture in approximately three decades. Previously, tremors of a magnitude exceeding five in this region were recorded in 1997.

Toyota Motor's production facilities are located in the affected zone. Meanwhile, as reported by Chubu Electric Power, no abnormalities in equipment operation were detected at the Hamaoka nuclear power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture following the earthquake. This plant is located near the Nankai Trough area, where a powerful earthquake is predicted to be possible.

Forecast for the coming days

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that new strong seismic tremors are possible during the next week, especially in the next two to three days.