Niigata earthquake

I moved into a new apartment in Tokyo 6 months ago and it was the first earthquake i have felt here. Like #2, because of the swaying I knew it was a big earthquake somewhere else in Japan, not Tokyo. Usually the local ones are smaller, sharper shudders. I am glad it wasn't somewhere that the typhoon had hit.

I got relatives in Tookamachi and Ojiya. I can't get through to them (all those cellphones on at the same time). They were hit hard in 2004, and now this.

# 11, I hope your relatives are fine. One of my schools is in Ojiya, and I called the teacher there. He said minor damage, large cracks in areas, but I don't think there were any collapses. I will be there tomorrow. Yes, getting through on phones have been a problem.

Thanks for the update on Ojiya, #12. Watch your step as you ge through the area. I am glad to hear that your teacher sounded okay.

Now if only I can get through to my uncle/aunt....

karandavasana, I'm on the 11th floor of a 40-year-old building :-0

there was another long, steady, strong shake shortly after 24:00 Monday night/Tuesday morning. At first I thought I was drinking really good sake, but then I realized, no, it's another quake.

Just got through to my relatives in Ojiya. Their house is okay, with no one in the family injured, which was a relief. They said stuff flew around when the quake hit, but no one in the family was in the way. But there apparently were some injuries in town, which I am very sorry to hear about.

#14, I bet that sways a lot. Glad it's not me ;-) We were woken up by a quake around midnight as well. Things are getting pretty lively around here these days- my father is starting to ask me again why I don't come back to NZ.

Good morning guys!
Sounds like everyone is as knackered as I am. I couldn't sleep a wink!

Gima, take care at work, eh? I have to go in for a meeting too, but at least I'll only have to sit in that creaky building for an hour or two.

Jacksan, I'm so glad to hear your realatives are OK. I hope they continue to be safe! It's lucky they were able to stay at home safely. People were sleeping in their cars last night just like three years ago in the Chuetsu quake. Why, oh why, don't they sort out emergency services here?!

Grog, yes, that one was off the coast of Kyoto area and it seems to have shaken mostly your side of the island, strangely. I guess it was another part of the plate settling in.

Karandavasana, I'm thinking the same thing...why aren't I back in NZ!

Take care everyone!

Glad you are OK DC.<BR>Glad to hear your relatives are ok Jacksan.<BR>It's always a worry not being able to get though.<BR><BR>I was at Kujukuri yesterday (walking along the beach rather than<BR>swimming in the water which looked a bit worse for wear after<BR>they typhoon) and wasn't aware of it until I checked my keitai<BR>on the way home.<BR><BR>

The lifelines have been cut off for thousands still- no electricity, gas or water. Tankers are bringing in drinking water but it looks liek it may take some time before power and gas lines are restored.