Death toll rises as 2nd quake hits Japan
TOKYO — A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan early yesterday, killing at least 23 people, injuring hundreds more and trapping people in collapsed buildings, barely a day after a quake killed nine people.
Rescuers dug through the rubble of collapsed buildings, mud and debris to try and reach those trapped, but continued aftershocks hindered rescue efforts and fueled fears of more powerful quakes.
“We have already seen of several of the mid to upper 5 plus magnitude range, and over the next several days and weeks, we would not be surprised to see more earthquakes of this size,” said John Bellini, a geophysicist with the US Geological Survey (USGS).
Factories producing auto parts and tech components for companies including Sony Corp. and Honda Motor halted production as they assessed the damage.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said rescue efforts were critical with wet weather forecast overnight, which could further damage weakened buildings and cause landslides.
“Nothing is more important than human life and it’s a race against time,” Abe said at a government meeting after the disaster. “I want rescue activities to continue with the utmost effort.”
The epicenter of the quake was near the city of Kumamoto on the southern island of Kyushu and measured at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, the USGS said.
Damage from yesterday’s quake covered a wide area with reports of fires, power outages, collapsed bridges and gaping holes in the earth. Residents near a dam were told to leave because of fears it might crumble, broadcaster
NHK said, while the 400-yearold Kumamoto Castle in the center of the city was badly damaged.
The quake triggered a tsunami advisory that was later lifted.
No irregularities were reported at three nuclear power plants in the area, a senior government official said, but people still reeling from Thursday’s shock poured onto the streets after yesterday’s quake that hit at dawn.
TV Asahi showed rescue efforts for what it said were 11 people trapped in a university apartment in Minami Aso town and NHK said people were trapped in a nursing home in Mashiki town.
NHK initially reported 16 deaths and more than 1,000 people treated in hospitals.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said nearly 80 people were believed trapped or buried in rubble. At least 20,000 from extra troops, including police, firefighters and medics would be sent to help today.