TOKYO, June 27 (Xinhua) -- A total of 10 people sustained minor injuries after a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck the central Japanese prefecture of Yamanashi and nearby areas on Friday night, Kyodo News reported Saturday.
The temblor occurred at around 10:29 p.m. local time on Friday at a depth of about 20 km. It measured lower 6, the third-highest level on Japan's seismic intensity scale of 7, in Fujikawaguchiko Town and Upper 5 in Otsuki City, both in Yamanashi Prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The prefecture is known for Mt. Fuji.
An intensity of lower 6 means it is difficult to remain standing, and unsecured objects like furniture may topple over, and windows may be damaged, according to the agency.
Such a level of shaking was last recorded in Yamanashi in 1924, prompting some to worry about possible volcanic activity of Mt. Fuji. But the JMA said after the quake that no abnormalities had been detected in the mountain's volcanic activity.
Experts said it is unlikely to cause Mt. Fuji to erupt, considering the mechanism of the quake that occurred near the boundary between tectonic plates.
The earthquake also affected Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures, as well as Tokyo, where shaking was clearly felt. No tsunami warning was issued. ■
