Nature has once again wreaked havoc in Japan. On Sunday morning, strong earthquake tremors were felt in the central part of the country, due to which the entire earth shook. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake's intensity was measured at 5.7 on the Richter scale. At least 22 people are reported to have been injured so far due to this powerful earthquake, while many buildings have also been heavily damaged. The administration is engaged in relief and rescue operations, but the tremors have created panic in the minds of people. Center and time of earthquake: Jaljala occurred at 1:04 a.m. This powerful earthquake occurred at around 1:04 a.m. local time on Sunday. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in Shizuoka Prefecture at a depth of about 40 kilometers from the ground. The earthquake was most strongly felt in Shizuoka and neighboring Aichi Prefecture. However, light tremors were felt in other remote areas including Tokyo, but there was no news of any major damage there. The early morning earthquake woke up people who were sleeping deeply, causing them to run out of their homes to save their lives. Damage and casualties: 22 people in hospital, severe damage to buildings So far 22 people have been injured in this natural disaster, who have been admitted to different hospitals. The condition of some of them is said to be critical. Many buildings in Shizuoka and Aichi were damaged by the earthquake. The glasses of shops were broken, there were cracks in the walls and the roofs of some houses had fallen. Some people have been injured after an old building collapsed and buried them under it. Apart from this, roads have also been damaged due to the earthquake, due to which traffic has been disrupted. Administration action: Relief work continues, warning of aftershocks Immediately after the earthquake, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) did not issue a tsunami warning in the earthquake-affected areas. However, he warned that there is a possibility of aftershocks in the next few days, so people need to remain alert. The administration has started relief and rescue operations. Medical aid is being provided to injured people and damaged buildings are being inspected. Shelters have been set up to evacuate people to safe places. Frequency of earthquakes in Japan: Being located on the 'Ring of Fire' is the main reason Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. This country is located on the 'Pacific Ring of Fire', where several tectonic plates meet. Earthquakes keep occurring due to the movement of these plates. Thousands of earthquakes occur in Japan every year, but most earthquakes are so light that they are not even felt. However, some earthquakes are powerful and cause massive devastation. The great earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in 2011 caused massive devastation, killing thousands of people. Vigilance and preparedness: The administration has appealed to the people to remain calm and alert. People have been advised to stay in safe places during earthquakes and not pay attention to rumours. People whose houses have been damaged have been advised to stay in shelters set up by the administration. Apart from this, people have been asked to keep emergency kits ready and be aware of what to do at the time of earthquake. Japan uses earthquake-resistant construction techniques to reduce damage caused by earthquakes, but powerful tremors can still cause major devastation.
