A 5.7‑magnitude earthquake struck Shizuoka Prefecture in central Japan in the early hours of November 8, 2026. The quake’s epicenter was located 41 km beneath the surface. At least 20 people were injured during evacuation, most of them falling while moving to safety. The tremor also caused temporary suspension of some train services in Aichi Prefecture. The epicenter lies within the Nankai Trough, an area known for large‑magnitude earthquakes. Japan’s Meteorological Agency said that, based on the quake’s size and mechanism, it does not appear to have affected the plate boundary of the Nankai Trough. However, the agency warned that the next week should be monitored for possible earthquakes of intensity 5 or greater. The agency’s intensity scale ranges from 0–4, 5 weak, 5 strong, 6 weak, 6 strong, to 7. In the aftermath of the quake, NHK anchor Yuko Kato performed a 20‑minute live broadcast without makeup, a move that received praise from viewers for its professionalism.
Article source: Sing Tao Electronic Daily | Image credit: Sing Tao Electronic Daily