Japan

Quake death toll reaches 9; hunt for survivors continues

Article published on the 2008-06-15 Latest update 2008-06-15 09:02 TU

Rescuers search for the missing in northern Japan
(Credit: Reuters)

The death toll hit 9 on Sunday as rescuers found three bodies in the rubble of a resort hotel that crumbled after a strong 7.2 earthquake shook the region 350 kilometres north of Tokyo yesterday. Some 220 people were injured, while 12 people remain unaccounted for, including four others who are believed to be trapped in the rubble of that same hotel.

Military helicopters also rescued 330 people throughout the region who remained stranded after the quake buried roads and destroyed bridges.

Rescuers have had trouble locating people as they fought with the immense amounts of mud that covered the quake site.

The survivors feared returning to their homes after 270 aftershocks hit the region. Some stayed in makeshift public shelters. 

"I saw big rocks fall down that were as big as eight metres wide. It was so scary," said Hidetsugu Takahashi, 60, who was airlifted out of the area. He said that he had slept in his car because he was afraid of the aftershocks.

Some 30 people refuse to be evacuated, according to military spokesman Lieutenant Shoichi Chiba, because they say they need to take care of their farmland.

"The administration is trying to persuade them to evacuate. It's not as if we won't take care of their land," said Chiba.