Earthquake Hits Northern Japan on Saturday

At least 6 dead, 8 missing after magnitude 7.2 quake jolts northern Japan

Mainichi Japan June 14, 2008

KURIHARA, Japan (AP) -- A magnitude 7.2 earthquake ripped across the mountains and rice fields of northern Japan on Saturday, killing at least six people as it sheared off hillsides, jolted buildings and shook nuclear power plants. At least eight people were missing.

Military helicopters swarmed the quake zone 400 kilometers north of Tokyo, ferrying in supplies and flying the injured to hospitals. Officials said at least 144 people were injured, and landslides trapped 100 bathers at a hot spring resort. ...

...The force of the quake, which was followed by some 153 aftershocks, buckled many roads, including one highway that was severed when a stretch of land collapsed, creating a cliffside. Electricity was cut to about 29,000 households, though service was mostly restored by Saturday night.

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda said the government was mobilizing troops, police and "everybody we possibly can" to find the missing and rescue and treat the injured. He ordered rescue workers to continue their efforts through the night.