At least 24 injured in central Japan's 5.7-magnitude earthquake, Shinkansen temporarily suspended

A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Japan early this morning, injuring many people, shattering store windows, and affecting rail transportation.

The Japan Meteorological Agency stated that the earthquake occurred at about 1:4 a.m. with an epicenter in western Shizuoka Prefecture, a depth of 41 kilometers, and a magnitude of 5.7. A magnitude 5 earthquake was observed in Chita City, Aichi Prefecture. Authorities did not issue a tsunami warning.

An emergency official in Aichi Prefecture told AFP that authorities received 16 reports of injuries, most of which were minor.

Officials in Shizuoka Prefecture said that at least three women went to the emergency room for medical treatment. One of them, a woman in her 90s, fell from her bed during the earthquake and injured her shoulder.

Chunichi Shimbun Daily and Tokai TV reported that at least 24 people were injured in Shizuoka and Aichi prefectures.

After the earthquake, the windows of a car dealership in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, were shattered; a large bookstore in Toyoda City, the same prefecture, reported that merchandise fell off the shelves.

Regional railway trains, including the Shinkansen, were delayed or suspended this morning due to the earthquake.

The earthquake was felt as far away as Osaka. Local media reported that a foreign resident was frightened by the earthquake and was taken to hospital after falling from the second floor of his apartment.

In addition, the Japan Meteorological Agency stated that a magnitude 4.3 earthquake also occurred in the Kumamoto area at 10:53 this morning. No major damage or casualties have been reported so far. (Compiled by: Cai Jiamin)