Strong Earthquake Rocks Central JapanA strong earthquake hit parts of central Japan late Tuesday but there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries.The magnitude 5.3 quake was centered in central Shizuoka prefecture (state), the Meteorological Agency said. There was no danger of tsunami, or undersea waves triggered by volcanic activity or earthquakes. The quake was centered 30 kilometers (19 miles) below ground, the agency said. Shizuoka is about 150 kilometers (94 miles) west of Tokyo. Police had received no reports of damage or injuries shortly after the quake, said Ko Sugahara, of the Shizuoka prefectural police. NHK public television reported that books and other items were jolted off shelves in some homes in Shizuoka City, and showed footage of broken windows there. NHK also reported that some train lines and roads had been closed to inspect for possible damage. The quake struck at 11:57 p.m. (1457 GMT), the agency said. It was felt in a total of seven prefectures, including the capital Tokyo. |
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