UPDATES WITH DEATH AND MISSING TOLL, ADDS DETAILS
By Faruk Zorlu and Satuk Bugra Kutlugun
ANKARA (AA) – At least two people died and 32 others are missing after a 6.7-magnitude earthquake hit Japan's northernmost Hokkaido Island early Thursday, local media reported.
The quake reportedly caused power outages in all 2.95 million homes and a nuclear power plant, and disrupted train services.
Phone services and TV broadcasting were also affected.
According to Kyodo News, more than 100 people were injured in cities, including the island's capital Sapporo.
Local media reported that the quake’s epicenter was located east of the city of Tomakomai. It had a depth of 40 kilometers (24.8 miles).
Citing the Japan Meteorological Agency, Kyodo News reported that there might be a slight sea-level change in Japan’s coastal areas as a result of the quake.
“There are risks of landslides and collapsing of houses. Please don’t go near anywhere deemed dangerous, ” said an official of the agency during a news conference.
Hokkaido's main airport will remain closed through out the day. New Chitose Airport suffers structural damages, water leakages and a power outage, the Transport Ministry said.
More than 200 flights were cancelled, affecting over 40,000 passengers.
