EARTHQUAKE STRIKES CENTRAL JAPAN

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck near central Japan at approximately 0845 local time on 18 December 2009 (2345GMT on 17 December). The epicentre was located approximately 45 mi/70 km east of Shizuoka and 60 mi/95 km southwest of Tokyo at a depth of 4.6 mi/7.4 km. The quake shattered windows and cracked some roads and sidewalks, damaging more than 20 buildings in Ito City, which is located on the eastern side of the Izo Peninsula. At least seven people sustained injuries, most from falling down. Aftershocks have continued in the area, with more than 100 being reported since the initial quake. Train services were suspended as a precaution and it is not known if they have resumed. Several hours before the earthquake, a separate quake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale hit the eastern Kanto region, where Tokyo is located, but no damage or injuries were reported.