Niigata jishin
Written by: adekun on 16 July, 2007 12:14 pm - Filed under: blog ?
A little after ten this morning a strong (between 6 and 7 Richter Magnitudes) earthquake, struck Niigata. Aerial shots show a fire at the nuclear plant at Kashiwazaki and many of the heavy clay roofs to have collapsed.
The traditional construction of homes comprises of a light structure with little or no bracing. Lath makes up the walling. Usually raised to allow airflow underneath, the buildings tend to lack continuous foundations. Therefore they offer little resistance to the lateral forces of an earthquake.
Today is also a public holiday, to celebrate the opening of the beaches. Unfortunately, I expect many people opted to stay indoors.
farmingfriends
17 July, 2007 #
I am sorry to hear about the earthquake. Does Niigata get them often?
Sara from farmingfriends
adekun
17 July, 2007 #
Niigata had a terrible quake in 2004 which shook half the island. Again lots of people have been displaced, many of which are elderly.
Anthony
18 July, 2007 #
I’ve been reading the news about this and it’s just awful. Now they say that there’s a radiation leak coming from a damaged nuclear power plant.
I’m glad to read that you’re okay.
adekun
18 July, 2007 #
I wonder what else is going to come out of the woodwork.