A strong earthquake with estimated magnitude of 6.8 hit on Niigata prefecture and its vicinity at 10:13 a.m. on July 16. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the center of the earthquake was below the seabed about 60 km southwest of Niigata. A tsunami warning had been issued for about one hour after the quake, but any damages by tsunami were reported.
The earthquake measured higher 6 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale in Chuetsu region of Niigata and northern Nagano prefecture, including Kashiwazaki-city and Nagaoka-city, Niigata. Nine people have died and more than 900 people were injured by the earthquake. It's reported that more than 300 houses were collapsed and about 10,000 people have been evacuated to shelters in Niigata prefecture at this point.
A large number of aftershocks have been occurring in the area, including a quake with estimated magnitude of 5.8 at 3:37 p.m. on the same day. Japan's Meteorological Agency warns possible huge aftershocks for a week.
Some JR-east train lines in Niigata have been suspended, and roads are damaged in many places.
In 2004, several strong earthquakes hit central Niigata and left huge damages.
