Tuesday, October 26, 2004
The strong earthquake that hit central Japan over the weekend has been followed by several strong aftershocks that have prevented several Japanese electronics manufacturers from resuming operations at plants located there.
The 6.8 magnitude quake that struck Saturday was centered in the Chuetsu region in Niigata Prefecture, about 200 km north-northwest of Tokyo. Alps Electric Co. Ltd., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd., Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd. have plants in Chuetsu that have so far sustained minimal damage but remain shut down.
Sharp Corp., whose plant in Shirone lies 50 km from the quake's center, was reported to have sustained no damage and is operating.
Following the initial earthquake, a total of 392 aftershocks have occurred in central Japan. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the Chuetsu district has already suffered four jolts with a magnitude of 6 and over, and ten jolts with a magnitude of 5.
The JMA warned that aftershocks with a 6 or greater magnitude are more than 40 percent likely to occur over the next week.
The threat of additional aftershocks has made it impossible for the affected Japanese plants not only to restart operation but also further analyze damage to equipment and inventory.
By: DocMemory
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