Aftershocks stiil keep rattling quake-hit Japan region

[Pastor Dale Morgan]

*Great Earthquakes in Diverse Places

Aftershocks still keep rattling quake-hit Japan region*

28 Mar 2007 06:27:59 GMT
Source: Reuters

By Isabel Reynolds

TOKYO, March 28 (Reuters) - Repeated aftershocks on Wednesday rattled
the central Japan coastal region rocked by a powerful weekend earthquake
that killed one and left hundreds homeless, hampering residents
struggling to get on with their lives.

The strongest aftershock, which had a magnitude of 4.9 and hit early in
the morning, set buildings creaking along the narrow streets of Wajima
on Noto peninsula, about 300 km (190 miles) west of Tokyo.

People in evacuation centres, where more than 1,600 are still taking
refuge, cried out in fright, Japanese media said.

Hundreds of aftershocks have jolted the area since Sunday, when a 6.9
magnitude quake demolished scores of houses and seriously damaged more
than 700. Over 200 people were injured.

The strongest of Wednesday's quakes had a focus 10 km (6 miles) below
ground level and appeared to be centred on the shoreline, the
Meteorological Agency said. No tsunami warning was issued and there were
no reports of fresh injuries or damage.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao sent a message of sympathy to Prime Minister
Shinzo Abe, Japan's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. Wen is set to
visit Japan in mid-April.

"I would like to represent the Chinese government in extending my
heartfelt sympathy to the Prime Minister and the people of the affected
region," Wen said in the message, which was dated Tuesday.

Earthquakes are increasing in Japan, one of the world's most seismically
active areas. The country accounts for about 20 percent of the world's
earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater.

In October 2004, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck the
Niigata region in northern Japan, killing 65 people and injuring more
than 3,000.

That was the deadliest quake since a magnitude 7.3 tremor hit the city
of Kobe in 1995, killing more than 6,400.