14 injured after strong quake jolts southwest Japan

Totally 14 people injured after a 6. 1-magnitude quake that hit southwest Japan early Friday morning, while agency said quakes of around intensity 4 could occur in the coming week, according to local media Friday.

The hurt were in Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Kochi and Oita prefectures after the quake, Japan's Kyodo News quoted local firefighters as saying, adding they all sustained minor injuries.

The epicenter of the 2:07 a.m. local time quake was detected at 33.7 degree of north latitude and 131.9 degree of east longitude in Iyonada inland sea, with a depth of 80 km, said Japan's Meteorological Agency.

The temblor was registered at upper 5 in the Japan's seismic intensity of 7 in Seiyo in Ehime Prefecture, while lower 5 in parts of Hiroshima, Kochi and Oita prefectures, according to the agency.

No tsunami warnings were issued after the strong quake, while no abnormalities were found in nearby nuclear power plants, said operators.

Local reports said about 8,000 homes in Hiroshima and Higashihiroshima cities in Hiroshima Prefecture temporarily lost power, adding Shinkansen bullet train between Okayama and Shin- Yamaguchi will operate at slower speed from the start of service on Friday.

Road operator will also assess the impact of the quake in sections of Sanyo Expressway in Hiroshima and Yamaguchi prefectures and Hiroshima Expressway in Hiroshima city, said Kyodo.