Earthquake News
United States transport disrupted following East Coast earthquake
A 5.8 magnitude earthquake has rocked the East coast of the United States, with transport connections across the region disrupted. The epicentre of the quake was registered was just a few miles from the two-reactor North Anna nuclear power plant in Mineral, Virginia, 80 miles south-west of Washington.
Turkey earthquake - three killed and 80 injured
At least three people have been killed and 80 injured after an earthquake measuring 5.9 struck north-west Turkey, around 300km west of the capital Ankara. The tremor struck just before midnight local time and centred on the town of Simav, in Kutahya province.
Japan tsunami alert lifted after new earthquake
A tsunami alert for the coastal region of north-eastern Japan has been lifted following an earthquake of magnitude of 7.1. Workers at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, devastated in last month’s quake and tsunami, were evacuated. But officials at the plant said there was no detectable effect there or at other nuclear plants in the region.
PATA launches Japan earthquake appeal
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is launching an appeal through the PATA Foundation to raise funds for disaster relief in Japan, following the devastation there.
Government advises Briton to leave Japan
The British government is chartering planes to fly Britons who want to leave Tokyo back to the UK. The FCO has advised its nationals in Tokyo and in north eastern Japan to consider leaving due to radiation fears after explosions at a nuclear power station in Fukushima Daiichi.
Japanese Ambassador’s statement on the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake
The Japanese Ambassador to the UK has made a statement regarding the earthquake. Read details here.
Fidel Castro issues statement about Japanese earthquake
Cuba’s Fidel Castro has issued a statement about the Japanese earthquake.
Air New Zealand cuts services after Christchurch and Japan earthquakes
Air New Zealand says it may cut some domestic and international routes in a bid to stem expected losses from the earthquakes in Christchurch and Japan. The flag carrier warned investors that the two natural disasters would wipe out its profits for the second half of the year, sending its shares 10 percent lower.
Japan Airlines offers free flights for tsunami relief workers
Japan Airlines is offering to fly rescue workers free of charge to help relief efforts following Friday’s devastating earthquake and tsunami. The move came as a third explosion occurred at the Fukushima nuclear plant about 250km north-east of Tokyo on Tuesday, which caused radiation levels to rise in the surrounding area.
New Zealand hit by earthquake aftershock
New Zealand has been hit by a powerful aftershock, more than six weeks after a serious tremor rocked the city. Measuring 5.0 on the Richter Scale, the earthquake struck at 11:30 local time causing extensive damage but no casualties.
Haiti recovers from quake with hotel development
The ongoing process of recovery on the Caribbean island of Haiti has been given a boost following the unveiling of plans for a new hotel. Sponsored by Argentine entrepreneur Rolando Gonzalez-Bunster, the project was praised by former US president Bill Clinton who said a hotel network was “crucial” to the rebuilding process.
Christchurch hit by strong earthquake aftershocks
The city of Christchurch, New Zealand, has been hit by a further set of powerful aftershocks following a 7.1 earthquake at the weekend that caused widespread damage. More than a dozen tremours struck overnight – two measuring a magnitude of 5.4 – which further weakened buildings damaged by Saturday’s earthquake.