JURNALPOST.COM, JAPAN – An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 struck central Japan early Sunday (8/11/2026). The tremor, centered in Shizuoka Prefecture, left at least 28 people injured, damaged several buildings, and disrupted transportation services and clean water supplies.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the quake occurred at approximately 01.04 Japan Standard Time or 00.04 WITA. The epicenter was located in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of about 41 kilometers.
Although centered in Shizuoka, the strongest tremors were recorded in Chita City, Aichi Prefecture. The area experienced a seismic intensity of 5 on the Japanese seismic scale, which ranges from 0 to 7.
The shaking was also felt in several other regions, including Nagano, Gifu, and surrounding areas in central Japan.
The JMA confirmed that the earthquake did not pose a tsunami threat. However, residents in the affected areas are urged to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks.
Injuries Reported in Aichi and Shizuoka
Based on disaster response reports as of Sunday afternoon, at least 25 people were injured in Aichi Prefecture, with two reported to have sustained serious injuries.
Meanwhile, three others suffered minor injuries in Shizuoka Prefecture. Consequently, the total number of injured victims across both regions reached at least 28 people.
Some victims were injured while attempting to take cover during the sudden tremors.
In Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, a woman in her 50s reportedly suffered a fractured ankle after falling.
In Shizuoka, a woman in her 80s living in the Mikkabi area of Hamamatsu fell while trying to walk to the bathroom shortly after the quake began.
The woman sustained a waist injury and required medical attention.
Other victims were reported in Kakegawa City and the Mori area. A woman in her 30s in Kakegawa suffered a dislocated right shoulder, while a woman in her 90s in Mori sustained a shoulder injury after falling from her bed.
These incidents highlight that the risk of injury during an earthquake stems not only from structural damage but also from panic and falling objects within the home.
Building Damage and Water Supply Disruptions
The earthquake also caused damage to several buildings and public facilities.
In Hamamatsu, some roof tiles from an empty house reportedly fell into the yard of a neighboring property.
Damage was also found on a wall of a building in the Mikkabi area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from either incident.
In other areas, the shaking caused items in shops to fall, and several facilities required safety inspections before they could be reopened.
Residents of Higashiura City in Aichi Prefecture also experienced disruptions.
Local authorities reported that parts of the area faced water supply outages following the quake. The service was restored around 05.10 local time.
Although the supply has been restored, residents are advised to be aware of potential water turbidity due to disturbances in the distribution network.
The local government began distributing bottled drinking water and providing water assistance services through several public facilities starting at 08.30.
This measure was taken to ensure that the basic needs of the community were met while network inspections were underway.
Shinkansen High-Speed Rail Experienced Delays
Transportation in Japan was also affected by the earthquake, particularly rail services connecting major cities.
The operator, JR Central, conducted safety inspections on the Tokaido Shinkansen line following the quake.
Speed restrictions were imposed on train services between Shizuoka Station and Gifu-Hashima Station from the start of operations.
After inspections were completed, train services resumed at normal speeds at 08.57 Japan Standard Time.
According to the operator, a total of 29 train services were delayed by up to 52 minutes.
These travel disruptions impacted approximately 17,000 passengers.
In addition to the Shinkansen, the Sunrise Izumo night train was briefly halted between Maisaka and Takatsuka stations for safety checks.
The train resumed movement around 03.30 local time. The approximately 290 passengers on board were reported to be safe and in good health.
Restoring transportation services is a priority, as these lines are vital links for public activity and the Japanese economy.
JMA Warns of Potential Aftershocks
Although the situation is gradually stabilizing, the JMA warns that areas that experienced strong shaking may still face aftershocks.
In an official statement, the JMA urged the public to remain vigilant for about one week following the main shock.
"Residents in areas that experienced strong shaking should be cautious of earthquakes with an intensity of around 5 for approximately one week," the JMA warning stated.
The meteorological agency explained that the period of two to three days following the main earthquake requires special attention.
Based on past experience, approximately 10 to 20 percent of large earthquakes are followed by others of similar magnitude.
Shortly after the main quake, the JMA also recorded a magnitude 3.3 earthquake in the eastern part of Aichi Prefecture at 02.03 Japan Standard Time.
This aftershock reached a maximum intensity of 2 on the Japanese seismic scale.
In addition to potential aftershocks, residents are advised to avoid areas at risk of landslides and falling rocks, especially on slopes affected by the quake.
What is the Connection to the Nankai Trough Megathrust Earthquake?
The earthquake that struck Shizuoka has also drawn attention to the Nankai Trough, one of Japan's major earthquake source zones.
The JMA explained that the epicenter was located within the Philippine Sea Plate, in an area considered a potential source for a Nankai Trough earthquake.
However, based on initial analysis, the magnitude 5.7 earthquake did not show any specific changes in the interplate locking conditions in that region.
This means there is currently no scientific basis to conclude that a major Nankai Trough earthquake is imminent.
Nevertheless, seismic activity and crustal changes continue to be monitored.
The JMA also emphasized the importance of relying on information from official agencies and avoiding the spread of earthquake predictions that lack scientific evidence.
Recovery Underway, Residents Urged to Stay Alert
As of Sunday, local governments in Japan are still assessing the number of casualties and the extent of damage caused by the earthquake.
Inspections of buildings, water networks, and transportation facilities are being conducted to ensure that public activities can resume safely.
Although it did not trigger a tsunami, this magnitude 5.7 earthquake demonstrates the significant impact of tremors on daily life, from the safety of residents to the reliability of public transport.
Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to keep emergency kits ready, monitor the condition of their homes, and follow official updates regarding aftershock activity.
Further developments regarding casualties and damage are pending updates from local authorities.
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