This blog has been compiled by monitoring news reports.
Monday, 16 July 2007
At 0113 GMT on Monday, 16 July 2007, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 hit North Western Japan with its epicentre located in the Sea of Japan approximately 17 km underground. Aftershocks followed. The city of Kashiwazaki and the Niigata prefecture sustained considerable damage. Niigata prefecture is located approximlately 250 kilometers north west of Tokyo. The Northern Nagano prefectures were also affected.
The earthquake has caused houses to collapse, roads to fracture and buckle and has interrupted utilities (electricity, water and gas) in the Niigata prefecture. Mudslides have also been reported. Some rail services have been discontinued. The quake caused buildings in Tokyo to sway.
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Japan Quake Shake Map
Yellow=V.Strong
Blue=Light |
A tsunami warning was issued for Sado Island and the coast of Niigata prefecture. Waves were expected to rise by 50 centimetres. The warning was revoked about an hour later.
Damage was sustained at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant run by Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO). The plant is designed to withstand an earthquake on an unknown fault line with a magnitude of 6.5. The plant has been shut down for inspection. A small fire ignited in the electrical transmission section of the plant.
Radioactive waste has leaked into water which discharges into the sea. The leak is reported to have occurred when stacked drums containing low-level nuclear waste collapsed and broke open. There also reports of leaks caused by the shifting of reactor exhaust pipes.
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Reports indicate TEPCO has now advised a larger volume of nuclear waste had leaked than initially thought. The Company also reported that a small volume of radioactive material had been emitted into the air but this was too small to cause harm.
News reports indicate around 800 homes were damaged or destroyed in Niigata and some 9,000 residents had evacuated to shelters. They also indicate the water supply to some 60,000 homes was disconnected.
The army has been enlisted to distribute food and fresh water.
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
The nuclear plant remains closed. Reports indicate that over 1,000 people were injured in the quake.
Thursday, 19 July 2007
The death toll is reported at 10.
Reports indicate that the quake damaged an auto parts factory owned by Riken Corp causing vehicle manufacturers to suspend production. Some 40,000 homes in the region remain without water.
Friday, 10 August 2007
News reports indicated that the International Atomic Energy Agency has inspected the earthquake affected nuclear power plant and they will compile a comprehensive report. The nuclear plant is reported to be the world's largest interms of capacity and news reports suggest it is likely to remain closed for some time until safety can be guaranteed.
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