Japan's earth shook once again just five days after a devastating earthquake left widespread destruction in its wake. A fresh quake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck the northern Hokkaido region on Saturday, sending frightened residents rushing out of their homes.
Fresh Tremors Rattle Hokkaido On Saturday
The 5.7-magnitude earthquake was recorded in Japan's northern Hokkaido region on Saturday. The shaking was strong enough that panicked residents ran out into the open. Memories of the destruction caused by the earlier quake kept anxiety levels high across the affected areas.
The 7.1-Magnitude Quake Five Days Earlier
Five days before this tremor, a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake had struck the south-western part of Japan, causing massive devastation. That earthquake claimed 35 lives.
Mall Blast, Homes Flattened In Yatsushiro
The 7.1-magnitude quake triggered an explosion at a shopping mall and brought down a factory chimney. In Yatsushiro city, several homes were completely flattened, while roads cracked open and numerous buildings suffered severe damage.
Death Toll Climbed To 34 By Friday
By Friday, the death toll from that earthquake had risen to 34. Japan sits along the Pacific seismic belt, which is why the country frequently experiences earthquakes of varying intensity.
