Japan earthquake: Aerial pictures show devastating landslides in Hokkaido
HOKKAIDO has been hit by a powerful 6.7 magnitude earthquake. Aerial pictures show massive landslides caused by the quake in Japan.
Hokkaido: Dirt and water cover roads following earthquake
The latest aerial pictures to emerge show massive landslides in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, caused by a powerful earthquake on Thursday.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake measured 6.7 on the Richter scale and follows a summer of floods and typhoons.
The epicentre of the earthquake was reported to be near Sapporo, the island’s largest city and capital.
Pictures show bare forests and exposed hillsides in Atsuma, 42 miles south east of the city as deadly landslides bury homes in the mountainous town.
Mud and trees engulfed residential areas at the foot of the hills.
Reports suggest at least eight people have been killed with several dozen still reported missing.
Emergency workers are on the scene working to free those who are trapped.
A blackout in the area is affecting almost 3 million households after an emergency shutdown of fossil-fuelled power plants was enforced.
The earthquake struck in the early hours of Thursday when most people were sleeping.