Hokkaido Earthquakes

Two strong earthquakes struck the northeast Hokkaido in the morning of Sep. 26, 2003. The first one which originated about 42 km underground off the coast of Kushiro occured at 4:50 a.m., and the second one which originated about 21 km underground off the coast of Tokachi occured at 6:08 a.m.Japan Meteorological Agency reported thatmagnitudes are 8.0 and 7.1. In both times, 6 was measured on the Japanese seismic scale. More than 400 people are reported injured, and more than 40,000 people have evacuated.

Tsunami waves have been hitting the northeast coast of Hokkaido and Honshu island in Japan. The highest tunami reported was about 1 m 30 cm. Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami alart and has been warning residents.

A fire occured at an oil refinery in Tomakomai-city, Hokkaidoafter the first earthquake.No injury has been reported by this fire, and it was put off by the afternoon.

Because of the damage in the air control traffic tower, Kushiro aiport has been shut down.Trains in Hokkaido are operated except northeastern routes.

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