Japan’s Strongest Quake in a Decade Kills 2, Injures 368
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TOKYO — The strongest earthquake to hit Japan in a decade shook the country’s northern island of Hokkaido on Friday, killing two people, injuring 368, tearing up roads and toppling power lines.
Friday’s quake had a magnitude of 7.5, the Central Meteorological Agency said--strong enough to sway buildings in Tokyo, 530 miles away. Aftershocks shook the area today.
Hokkaido police said a 65-year-old man was killed while trying to protect his handicapped wife from a falling chandelier. Police said a 77-year-old woman also died today from inhaling gas leaking in her home in the port town of Kushiro.
The quake struck at 8:06 p.m. and was centered 75 miles below sea level about 12 1/2 miles off the coast from Kushiro.
The National Police said most of the injuries were caused by falling walls, roof tiles, signboards, furniture and broken glass.
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