13 April,2013 12:33 PM IST | | Agencies
The earthquake shook Hyogo prefecture and its surrounding areas in western Japan todayu00a0early morning, a report said.
The quake, registering a preliminary magnitude of 6, occurred at 5:33 am. The epicentre of the quake was near Awaji island in Hyogo prefecture around 10 km underground, Japan Meteorological Agency said.
A concrete wall has collapsed in Sumoto, on Awaji island, Hyogo prefecture, western Japan on April 13, 2013 after a strong earthquake. Pic/ AFP
Sixteen people suffered minor injuries in prefectures of Hyogo, Okayama and Osaka in the quake, media reported.
The Japanese government has set up a task force at the prime minister's office following the quake.
The West Japan Railway Company said it had suspended many of its train services in Hyogo prefecture and surrounding areas.
A devastating quake struck Kobe and surrounding areas in Hyogo in 1995, killing over 6,000 people and injuring more than 40,000.
u00a0
