Earthquake hits central Japan, injuring more than 20 people

More than 20 people have been injured after a strong earthquake shook central Japan, shattering store windows and sending people fleeing buildings, according to local media and authorities. The magnitude 5.7 quake struck at 1:04am local time on Sunday (16:00 GMT Saturday) at a depth of about 40km (25 miles) in western Shizuoka Prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. More than 20 people were injured in the Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures, the Kyodo news agency cited authorities as saying.

A wide area near Aichi Prefecture was affected, including the city of Hamamatsu, the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, and the prefectures of Yamanashi, where Mount Fuji is located, and Gifu. Japanese television showed shattered shop windows and shards of glass scattered across streets. A bookstore was left with mounds of books that had fallen from the shelves.

The meteorological agency warned people to be ready for possible strong quakes in the coming week, especially the next two to three days.