Bad 'Quake In Japan

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 June 1948, Page 5

Bad 'Quake In Japan

TOWNS RAZED, MANY FIRES

Recd. 11 p.m. Tokio, June 29 A bad earthquake has occurred in Japan and the worst damape has occurred in an area of 30 miles. First reports said that 30,000 people had been killed or injured, anti 500,000 were homeless. Later reports say that these estimates were exaggerated. (N.Z.P.A.—Reuter—Copyright.)

Recd. 8.15 p.m. Tokio, June 29 • An eye-witness declared that Hiroshima was left with 13 buildings standing, and Fukui with three. At least seven towns on the north-west-ern coast in the immediate area of Fukui have been destroyed or badly damaged. Lieut.-General Eichelberger, on behalf of the United States Bth Army, has promised the Japanese people continuing aid. "The fine co-opera-tion and individual courage wherewith the disaster was met was highly commendable,,” Brigadier - General Crawford said. He believed the Japanese reports of casualties were exaggerated. The greatest damage was confined to an area 30 miles in diameter bounded by the towns of Fukui, Diashoji, and Katayamatsu, wherein the total population is not much over 100,000.

-»-,e only casualties thus far confirmed by the United States Army, are seven dead five injured, and 100 houses totally destroyed at Daishoji. Latest reports from Fukui state the fires are now under control, and: the United States Army is arriving with relief supplies and equipment.