Two strong earthquakes jolt Japan

Monday, July 16, 2007

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), at least two strong earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.7 and 6.8 rocked the west coast of Honshu, Japan killing 8 people and injuring hundreds.

A two hour fire was reported at the Kashiwazaki Nuclear Power Plant number 6 reactor transformer, which is the biggest nuclear power facility in the world, causing radioactive water to leak into the sea. Officials at the plant state that the water will cause no damage to the surrounding environment.

The epicenter of the first quake was located 65 km (40 miles) southwest of Niigata city, a major city on the west coast of Honshu, of 55.4 km (34.4 miles). The second quake, a 6.8, was recorded almost 12 hours later approximately 140 km (90 miles) northwest of Fukui Island, Honshu, Japan and had a depth of 350.7 km (217.9 miles).

"Many people told me they want to return to their normal lives as quickly as possible. The government will make every effort to help with recovery," said Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says that no major tsunamis are expected, but small waves could impact areas locally close to the epicenter.Small, 50 centimeter tsunamis "were reported on coastal areas close to epicenter," said a statement on the USGS website which also added that in Kashiwazaki, "buildings collapsed, roads and bridges were damaged." The USGS says that damage is "moderate to heavy."

"A strong earthquake has occurred, but a tsunami is not expected along the California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, or Alaska coast. No tsunami warning or watch is in effect for these areas," added the NOAA statement.

Related news

"Nuclear leaks after Japan quake are worse than first reported" — Wikinews, July 17, 2007

Sources

Wikipedia

Wikipedia has more about this subject:

2007 Chūetsu offshore earthquake

Mariko Yasu & Jonathan Tirone. "Japan Hit By Second Quake in a Day, Reactor Damaged (Update1)" — Bloomberg, July 16, 2007
"Magnitude 6.8 - SEA OF JAPAN" — USGS, July 16, 2007
"TSUNAMI BULLETIN NUMBER 001, 14:29" — NOAA, July 16, 2007
Associated Press. "Japanese quake kills at least 8, injures hundreds" — Detroit Free Press, July 16, 2007
Issei Kato. "Japan earthquake kills three" — Swissinfo, July 16, 2007
"TSUNAMI BULLETIN NUMBER 001" — NOAA, July 16, 2007
"Magnitude 6.7 - NEAR THE WEST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN" — USGS, July 16, 2007
"Earthquake Summary, 01:13:28 UTC" — USGS, July 16, 2007
"M6.8 quake jolts Niigata, vicinity, 7 dead, over 700 hurt" — Kyodo News, July 16, 2007
"Earthquake Information" — Japan Meteorological Agency, July 15, 2007

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