Strong quake in Japan kills at least nine, nuclear plants safe
Updated: 2016-04-15 09:24
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||
A house is pictured destroyed in a series of earthquakes in Mashiki, Kumamoto prefecture, southwestern Japan on April 15, 2016. [Photo/IC] |
TOKYO - A strong earthquake hit southwestern Japan on Thursday, bringing down some buildings, killing at least nine people and injuring hundreds, local media said, but the nuclear regulator reported no problems at power plants.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) revised the first quake from 6.4 magnitude to 6.5. The quake was logged at level 7 of the Japan seismic intensity scale of 7 in Mashiki town at the Kumamoto prefecture, marking the first since the devastating earthquake in March 2011.
The epicenter of the M6.5 quake was detected at 32.7 degree north latitude and 130.8 degree longitude with a depth of 11 km, said the JMA.
There was no tsunami warning, but at least one person was killed after being crushed by a collapsing building, local media reported. More than 400 people were taken to hospital.
The Kyodo news agency said some 44,400 people had also been evacuated and more than 100 aftershocks had been recorded since the quake, which struck shortly before 9.30 pm local time.
Footage from public broadcaster NHK showed firefighters tackling a blaze in a building in Mashiki, a town of about 34,000 people near the epicenter of the quake.
"We will do our utmost and carry on with life-saving and rescue operations throughout the night," Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters.
Related Stories
Strong quake hits Kyushu area in SW Japan 2016-04-14 20:49
Japan quake, 5 years later: Before and after 2016-04-14 09:47
Strong tremors felt in Tibet after Myanmar quake 2016-04-14 06:54
Massive Myanmar quake rattles Bangladeshi people's nerves 2016-04-14 01:01
7.5-magnitude quake hits Myanmar-India border: CENC 2016-04-13 22:29
China evacuates residents after Afghanistan quake felt in Xinjiang 2016-04-11 11:37
Today's Top News
World Bank joins AIIB on financing for joint projects
GM seeds to get oversight
Russia-China ties benefit both countries, peoples
China, UK showcase best books in London
Hello, China! Stephen Hawking debuts Weibo account
Manila set to restart revamp of airport in S China Sea
Forget cabs, now you can book plane through apps
Britain and China must join to solve steel crisis, ambassador says
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Seeking stars from hollywood |
Riding on emotions |
When the Bard met his Chinese match |
Premier: Tax reform to boost vitality |
Digital trends: What we'll see in 2016 |
Vis-a-vis visas, Europe plays |