Earthquakes Today Include Magnitude 5.7 Quake That Injures More Than 20 in Central Japan
The earthquakes today began when a magnitude 5.7 quake struck central Japan in Shizuoka Prefecture, injuring more than 20 people, shattering windows and prompting aftershock warnings. [3] The 5.7 quake hit at 1:04 a.m. local time on Sunday at a depth of about 40 km in western Shizuoka Prefecture, with shaking felt across Aichi, Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara, Yamanashi and Gifu but not in Tokyo. [3][5]
Japan Earthquake Overview
The magnitude 5.7 quake struck at 1:04 a.m. local time on Sunday at a depth of about 40 km in western Shizuoka Prefecture according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. [3] The event produced shaking across a wide area that reached Aichi, the city of Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara, Yamanashi and Gifu. [3][5] The quake was not felt in Tokyo. [3] The United States Geological Survey recorded a magnitude of 5.5 for the same event. [5] No tsunami warning was issued. [3]
Injuries and Property Damage
More than 20 people were injured in the Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures. [3] Many of those injured had fallen on stairs while trying to flee buildings. [3][5] Local television showed shattered shop windows with shards of glass scattered across streets and a bookstore left with mounds of books that had fallen from the shelves. [3][5] The majority of the 22 people reported injured suffered blows or falls on stairs during evacuation attempts. [5]
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck western Shizuoka Prefecture in central Japan early Sunday. — Source: gdelt
Official Warnings and Response
Japanese authorities warned of possible strong aftershocks in the next two to three days and advised vigilance for mudslides, falling rocks and rainfall effects. [3] An agency official stated that no apparent change had been detected in the Nankai Trough. [3] Some local train services were suspended while Shinkansen bullet trains ran at reduced speeds in affected areas as a precaution. [3] Trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen line between Shizuoka and Gifu-Hashima stations were delayed after safety checks. [3]
Earthquakes Today Reported in Global Seismic Activity on November 8
A magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurred at a depth of 35 km 58 km NE of Fef, Indonesia. [1] A magnitude 3.0 earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 km 56 km NNE of Miches, Dominican Republic. [2] In Mexico a magnitude 4.1 event was recorded at 13:09:02 central Mexico time with its epicenter 130 km southeast of Salina Cruz, Oaxaca at a depth of 12 km. [4] Another magnitude 4.4 event struck at 12:18:20 central Mexico time with its epicenter 58 km south of Jaltipán de Morelos, Veracruz at a depth of 148 km. [4] A magnitude 4.1 event was also recorded at 09:26 with its epicenter 115 km southwest of Huixtla, Chiapas at a depth of 11 km. [4]
Context on Monitoring and Aftershocks
The magnitude 5.7 quake struck at 1:04 a.m. local time on Sunday at a depth of about 40 km in western Shizuoka Prefecture. [3][5] Shaking reached Aichi, Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Nara, Yamanashi and Gifu but was not felt in Tokyo. [3] The meteorological agency warned people to be ready for possible strong quakes especially in the next two to three days. [3] Officials noted that the agency would continue to monitor the Nankai Trough where no change had been detected. [3] Presence of lesser aftershocks was confirmed after the main event. [5]
What to watch next: Authorities continue to advise readiness for possible strong aftershocks in the coming days while monitoring the Nankai Trough for any changes.
