Tokyo: A powerful aftershock struck north-east Japan, killing three people and injuring scores. Several buildings were destroyed and power was cut to 3.6 million homes.
It was the most powerful tremor since the 9.0-magnitude quake that triggered a devastating tsunami four weeks ago.
At the crippled Fukushima nuclear power station workers briefly retreated to a quake-proof shelter. The plant’s operator later said there was no sign problems there were any worse.
The latest earthquake struck just before midnight on Thursday, at a depth of 49km, close to the epicentre of the March 11 quake.
First reports said it had a magnitude of 7.4 but that was later revised to 7.1, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
A tsunami warning was lifted after about 90 minutes.
In the latest earthquake, a 63-year-old woman died when the tremor knocked out power in Yamagata prefecture, shutting off her respirator.
In Miyagi Prefecture, two men, aged 79 and 85, died at a hospital. Fire officials say the quake may have brought on heart attacks.
Japan’s nuclear safety agency said facilities along the north-east coast were under control. Back-up diesel generators kicked in at several plants after external power was lost.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription