Store windows crack. Books fly off shelves. People run to escape buildings. Earthquake!

The quake hit Aichi Prefecture in central Japan on Sunday. 

Earthquakes are measured in magnitude. The larger a quake, the higher its magnitude. Japan’s Meteorological Agency measured Sunday’s quake magnitude at 5.7. The U.S. Geological Survey reported it at a magnitude of 5.5. 

People in several cities felt the shaking. The area around Mount Fuji also shook. 

Japanese TV footage tells the story: Shattered store windows. Scattered shards of glass on the streets. A bookstore with a serious mess to clean up. 

At least 22 people were injured. 

The quake struck at 1:04 a.m. It started 25 miles below Earth’s surface. 

Meteorologists warn people in Japan: Watch carefully over the next few days. One quake means more may come. 

“Please be on the lookout for mudslides, falling rocks, and the possible effects from rainfall,” says Ayataka Ebita. He is a weather official.

Earthquakes often happen in Japan. That means people are prepared. Authorities often remind them to . . . 

• stock up on bottled water, food, and batteries.
• have plans ready to hide under tables.
• keep comfortable walking shoes at hand.

After the quake, authorities also slowed the normally high-speed bullet trains. That’s a just-in-case measure. Sometimes quakes can damage railways.

Pray for the people healing from earthquake-related injuries. Ask God to give strength to those cleaning up the mess. 

Therefore we will not fear though the Earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea. — Psalm 46:2