International

Southern Japan hit by severe aftershocks after earthquake claims 9 lives

Published

8 years ago

April 15, 2016

Southern Japan hit by severe aftershocks after earthquake claims 9 lives

The southwestern city of Kumamoto in Japan has been hit with severe aftershocks following a 6.0 magnitude earthquake which claimed at least nine lives, injuring nearly 1,000 people and toppling houses.

The city continued to experience strong aftershocks, the morning after the earthquake which left thousands without power, but no problems were reported at nuclear plants in the area.

There was a massive scramble during the quake with more than 44,000 people evacuated to schools and community centres, some spending the night outside after the first quake hit around 9:30 p.m. Roads cracked, houses crumbled, and tiles fell from the roof of Kumamoto Castle in the centre of the city.

“We managed to huddle into a space, that’s why we were saved,” one man told NHK national television. “Our house was destroyed, but we’re all safe, so that’s what counts.”

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the troops, police and firemen numbering up to 3,000 which were dispatched to the area may not be enough and more more would be sent if needed.

“We will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of local residents,” Abe told a parliamentary committee

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