Post by admin on Apr 17, 2016 21:40:22 GMT -6
Twin quakes trigger landslides, U.S. army prepares to join Japanese rescuers
Monday 18th April, 2016
TOKYO, Japan - Even as rescue operations intensified in earthquake-stricken southern region of Japan, a mysterious foam flowed around a city, merely 90 kms away from the epicentre of the quake.
The foam that covered the streets of the Fukuoka city, that is about two-hours away from Kumamoto, is said to be directly linked to the earthquake. Several reports speculated that the foam could be the by-product of an underground pipe which burst as a result of the seismic activity, but there was no official confirmation on the issue.
Meanwhile, both the earthquakes triggered enormous landslides that swept away not only the houses and roads, but also railway lines and brought buildings crumbling down.
According to the disaster management office, about 41 people are known to have died and over 1,037 people have been injured in both the earthquakes. Reports further added that over 90,000 people have been evacuated so far and at least 500 people are believed to be trapped in one settlement that witnessed several landslides.
Reports added that aerial footage showed a bridge on a main trunk road had crashed on to the carriageway below, its pillars felled by the huge seismic jolt. Tens of thousands of people were moved to temporary accommodation, and several others huddled in makeshift shelters even as rescuers continued their search for those who might be trapped under the debris of the two powerful quakes.
The government has said that there were “multiple locations where people have been buried alive,” and reports suggested scores were missing.
The country’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in a news statement, “Around 25,000 troops, firefighters, medics and other rescue personnel were to be joined by members of the U.S. military.”
Abe added, “Our Defence Minister informed me that the U.S. military said aerial transportation is available. We are grateful for the offer.”
Reports revealed that the U.S. has almost 50,000 service people stationed in Japan.
Commenting on those trapped, Abe said, “Nothing is more important than human life and it’s a race against time. Daytime today is the big test. I want rescue activities to continue with the utmost effort.”
About 400 aftershocks were felt in the Kumamoto region and in other parts of central Kyushu. Authorities persisted with their warning that the quake-loosened hillsides could be at risk of collapse as aftershocks continued in the Kumamoto region that witnessed rainfall.
After the quakes, more than 400,000 houses have been left without water and 200,000 homes suffer power cut.
Relief measures have included emergency aid centers that provide food and water to the population.
Japan’s meteorological agency has now predicted heavy rainfall and high winds in the region over the next few days and added a warning of more building collapses in the region.
Speaking on United States’ support to assist in rescue operations, Marrie Schaefer, United States government spokesperson said, “We offer our condolences for those affected by the earthquakes in Kumamoto. The U.S. government is ready to offer support if and when needed.”
Monday 18th April, 2016
TOKYO, Japan - Even as rescue operations intensified in earthquake-stricken southern region of Japan, a mysterious foam flowed around a city, merely 90 kms away from the epicentre of the quake.
The foam that covered the streets of the Fukuoka city, that is about two-hours away from Kumamoto, is said to be directly linked to the earthquake. Several reports speculated that the foam could be the by-product of an underground pipe which burst as a result of the seismic activity, but there was no official confirmation on the issue.
Meanwhile, both the earthquakes triggered enormous landslides that swept away not only the houses and roads, but also railway lines and brought buildings crumbling down.
According to the disaster management office, about 41 people are known to have died and over 1,037 people have been injured in both the earthquakes. Reports further added that over 90,000 people have been evacuated so far and at least 500 people are believed to be trapped in one settlement that witnessed several landslides.
Reports added that aerial footage showed a bridge on a main trunk road had crashed on to the carriageway below, its pillars felled by the huge seismic jolt. Tens of thousands of people were moved to temporary accommodation, and several others huddled in makeshift shelters even as rescuers continued their search for those who might be trapped under the debris of the two powerful quakes.
The government has said that there were “multiple locations where people have been buried alive,” and reports suggested scores were missing.
The country’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in a news statement, “Around 25,000 troops, firefighters, medics and other rescue personnel were to be joined by members of the U.S. military.”
Abe added, “Our Defence Minister informed me that the U.S. military said aerial transportation is available. We are grateful for the offer.”
Reports revealed that the U.S. has almost 50,000 service people stationed in Japan.
Commenting on those trapped, Abe said, “Nothing is more important than human life and it’s a race against time. Daytime today is the big test. I want rescue activities to continue with the utmost effort.”
About 400 aftershocks were felt in the Kumamoto region and in other parts of central Kyushu. Authorities persisted with their warning that the quake-loosened hillsides could be at risk of collapse as aftershocks continued in the Kumamoto region that witnessed rainfall.
After the quakes, more than 400,000 houses have been left without water and 200,000 homes suffer power cut.
Relief measures have included emergency aid centers that provide food and water to the population.
Japan’s meteorological agency has now predicted heavy rainfall and high winds in the region over the next few days and added a warning of more building collapses in the region.
Speaking on United States’ support to assist in rescue operations, Marrie Schaefer, United States government spokesperson said, “We offer our condolences for those affected by the earthquakes in Kumamoto. The U.S. government is ready to offer support if and when needed.”