Japan earthquake: tens of thousands flee in fear of aftershocks and volcanoes
Source: Guardian
Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from earthquake-hit southern Japan as dozens of aftershocks struck and officials monitored nearby volcanoes for signs of activity.
A total of 44,000 people were evacuated late on Thursday in the town of Mashiki after a magnitude-6.4 earthquake collapsed buildings and damaged other infrastructure. Nine people have been confirmed dead, ranging in age from 29 to 94. A further eight are in serious condition, and more than 850 were injured.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned there are likely to be strong aftershocks for the next week and advised people to stay away from any buildings that look unstable.
There are also concerns about volcanic activity in the wake of the quake. The island of Kyushu, where the earthquake happened, is a highly volcanic area. A level 2 warning meaning people should not approach a volcanos crater has been in place for Asosan in Kumamoto prefecture on the island since November 2015.
Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/15/japan-earthquake-thousands-evacuated-volcanoes-aftershocks
Lizzie Poppet
(10,164 posts)Not precisely in the area most affected (different prefecture), but on Kyushu. They're all okay, and have been promoting some donation sites on Twitter.
Joanie Baloney
(1,357 posts)Many years ago and we had earthquakes frequently. But coming from California, I was used to them. Mt. Aso was always steaming nearby. Good luck to those affected.
-JB
Dont call me Shirley
(10,998 posts)The Injured