Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
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July 17, 2007

Japan Quake Leaves Thousands Homeless, Causes Radiation Leak
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=182C7FE:A6F02AD83191E16013C7CC62068165779574F7DCC14957C0 Small leak of
water containing radioactive materials reported at Kashiwazaki Kariwa
plant - the world's largest Thousands of people have been evacuated
from their homes in northwestern Japan due to fears of mudslides and
aftershocks following Monday's powerful earthquake. At least nine
people were killed in the disaster. As VOA's Heda Bayron reports from
our Asia News Center in Hong Kong, the damage to a nuclear power plant
in the region has again focused attention on the safety of the
country's nuclear facilities.







Rescue workers search for survivors following Monday's quake, in
Kashiwazaki city, 17 Jul 2007Relief and rescue operations continued in
northwestern Japan Tuesday, where thousands of people are sheltering
in school buildings and community centers. The 6.8 magnitude
earthquake destroyed homes and cut water, gas and power supplies.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, visiting the affected area Monday,
says the government will do its utmost to save lives and repair the
damage.

A nationwide safety review of Japan's nuclear power plants has been
ordered. The quake caused a fire and a small leak of water containing
radioactive materials at the Kashiwazaki Kariwa plant, the world's
largest. The facility has been shut for the time being.

Quake-prone Japan relies on nuclear power for a third of its
electricity supply.


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