Japan: Death toll rises in Hokkaido September 9 /update 5

Event

Local government officials confirmed that at least 37 people have died on Hokkaido as of Sunday, September 9, following a 6.6-magnitude earthquake on the island. At least two people are still missing and another person has no vital signs. Almost all of the casualties occurred in the town of Atsuma following a landslide. While power has been restored to over 99 percent of residents, officials warned that full repairs at the main power station may take up to a week. Hokkaido government officials are asking residents to conserve power and warned that rolling blackouts may occur during the upcoming week during peak demand times.

Context

A 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck 27 km (16.7 mi) east of Tomakomai at 03:07 at a depth of 33.4 km (20.7 mi) on September 6, causing "Very Strong" shaking, or seven on a scale to 10, for the areas around the epicenter and up toward Sapporo. Five aftershocks in the same region between 4.3-magnitude and 5.4-magnitude and at a similar depth have been registered by the US Geological Survey (USGS) throughout the day on September 6.

Japan frequently experiences earthquakes given its location on four tectonic plates along the Pacific "Ring of Fire."

Advice

Individuals in the Hokkaido area are advised to be prepared for possible aftershocks, anticipate transportation disruptions, and confirm travel reservations. In general, after a powerful earthquake, check for damages and take note of your surroundings. If indoors, shut off water, gas, and electricity lines and evacuate the building.