REPEAT: MNI: Strong Quake Jolts Western Japan, 3 Dead

Repeats Story Initially Transmitted at 05:34 GMT Jun 18/01:34 EST Jun 18

     TOKYO (MNI) - A strong earthquake with a 6.1 magnitude shook Osaka and

surrounding cities in western Japan at 0758 JST on Monday (2258 GMT Sunday),

killing three people and injuring at least 61. It caused damage to buildings,

walls, roads and water mains.

     The magnitude was revised up to 6.1 from an initial 5.9.

     The Meteorological Agency didn't issue a tsunami warning along the Pacific

Coast of the Kinki region but cautioned that strong aftershocks in the coming

week could cause houses to collapse and trigger mud slides during the rainy

season. Only a few fires broke out but more could be caused by ongoing

aftershocks.

     Among the casualties were a nine-year-old girl and men aged 80 and 85, all

hit by falling objects.

     The epicenter of the quake, which measured up to 6 minus on the Japanese

intensity scale of 1 to 7, was located 10 kilometers deep at an inland point in

northern Osaka Prefecture, a commercial hub. 

     Public broadcaster NHK said the earthquake disrupted supplies of

electricity, gas and water in some areas. Some services have been restored, it

said.

     Train services were suspended in Osaka and nearby cities, leaving tens of

thousands of commuters and travelers stranded at stations during the morning

rush hour. Bullet train services were expected to be resumed on Monday

afternoon.

     The Bank of Japan issued a statement, saying the operations at its branches

in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe were normal and that the BOJ's financial settlement

computer network continued working for the banks in the region hit by the

earthquake.

--MNI Tokyo Bureau; tel: +81 90-4670-5309; email: max.sato@marketnews.com