Twin earthquakes trigger landslides, U.S. army prepares to join Japanese rescuers
Big News Network.comMonday 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.
Enormous Landslides
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.
Published on Apr 17, 2016
April 2016 The BBC's Robin Brant reports from quake-hit Minamiaso in Japan where a bridge has collapsed and landslides have caused devastation.
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90,000 Evacuated
According to the disaster management office, about 41 (updated-latest is 272) 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.
Contributing sources:
Twin quakes trigger landslides US army prepares to join Japanese rescuers:
RoyRohe.Lifevantage.com
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