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3 confirmed dead after strong quakes hit Kumamoto, SW Japan

Xinhua, April 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

Three people were confirmed dead and over 100 people taken to hospitals after several strong quakes hit Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan late on Thursday and early on Friday, said local reports.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) revised the first quake from 6.4 magnitude to 6.5. The quake was logged at level 7 of the Japan seismic intensity scale of 7 in Mashiki town at the Kumamoto Prefecture, marking the first since the devastating earthquake in March 2011.

The epicenter of the 6.5 magnitude quake was detected at 32.7 degree north latitude and 130.8 degree longitude with a depth of 10 km.

Strong aftershocks, including two measured at 5.7 magnitude at around 10:07 p.m. Thursday and 6.4 magnitude at 0:08 Friday, are continuing jolting the area after the 6.5 magnitude quake, said the JMA, adding the quakes triggered no tsunami.

A total of 19 buildings damaged and collapsed in the affected area. Several people who trapped under the rubbles were rescued.

No abnormalities were found in the Sendai nuclear power plant, the only operating nuclear facility in the area, said local reports.

The quake triggered blackout in the region affecting about 16,000 households. Traffic was stopped on some expressways in Kumamoto and Miyazaki Prefectures and parts of local roads were damaged, said local reports.

The Japanese government has set up a special group to gather information on injuries and damage, said top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga. He also called on affected people to remain calm and help each other.

Local media urged people to keep vigilant over aftershocks. Endit