Friday 28 September 2007

Panic fear as Japan to issue alerts before quakes hit


JAPAN, which is prone to earthquakes, is to issue pre-emptive warnings of approaching big tremors, to reduce casualties and damage - although some fear the new system will lead to panic. It could also prompt trains, lifts and factories to stop operating, limiting damage in Japan, where 20 per cent of the world's big quakes are recorded and where Tokyo is said to be long overdue for a major tremor. The Tokyo city government has said an earthquake in the capital of a similar magnitude to Kobe could kill more than 7,000 people and injure close to 160,000. What do you think – a good idea or not?

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