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At least 26 injured as 6.7-magnitude earthquake rocks Japan

  • The earthquake occurred around 10.22pm at a depth of about 14km, with its epicentre located off Yamagata

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A collapsed slope after an earthquake in Murakami, Niigata prefecture, in Japan on Wednesday. Photo: Kyodo via Reuters

At least 26 people were injured, including one seriously, after a 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s northwestern region late on Tuesday, causing landslides and power outages in some areas.

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Seventeen people were injured in Yamagata Prefecture, four each in Niigata and Miyagi prefectures, and one in Ishikawa Prefecture, according to a Kyodo News tally on Wednesday. There were no reports of missing people, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of potential collapses of buildings and more landslides as there is a chance of more quakes of similar levels hitting Yamagata and Niigata prefectures facing the Sea of Japan over the following week while rain is expected in part of the region on Wednesday.

A man in his 30s in Tsubame, Niigata Prefecture, fell down and broke a bone, according to local officials.

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The earthquake occurred around 10.22pm at a depth of about 14km, with its epicentre located off Yamagata, according to the meteorological agency. A tsunami warning was issued but lifted hours later.

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