Big earthquake hits Japan causing landslides

Buildings have collapsed, roads buckled, and people have been trapped amid widespread landslides sparked by a strong 6.6‑magnitude earthquake that has struck the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.

震度５弱以上を観測したと考えられるものの震度のデータが入っていない北海道厚真町のようす　ヘリコプターから撮影#nhk_news #地震 #震度６強 pic.twitter.com/UkWjC0EyBt

— NHKニュース (@nhk_news) September 5, 2018

The quake struck 27 kilometres east of Tomakomai at a depth of 33.4km earlier this morning. No tsunami warning was issued from the inland quake.

Police had reported multiple injuries following the earthquake.

Rescue squads from fire departments were combing many areas for survivors and further people who could be trapped.

The quake came after recent heavy rains which loosened soil, leading to massive landslides.

Earlier in the week, a powerful typhoon struck western Japan around Osaka, killing at least 10 people.

[Source:Stuff.co.nz]