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At least 12 people were severely injured during earthquake in Japan - Prime Minister

The total number of victims is now 153, with no deaths

TOKYO, February 15. /TASS/. At least 12 people were severely injured in a powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake that took near the Fukushima prefecture of Japan Saturday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga disclosed Monday. According to the Prime Minister, the total number of victims is now 153, with no deaths.

"As of today, I was informed that 12 people were severely injured, while 141 were sustained relatively light injuries," the Prime Minister said.

He disclosed that train service on one damaged span of the high-speed railway remain suspended. The earthquake caused a cave-in that cut a highway in southeastern part of Honshu Island.

"The government provides all necessary aid in order to restore normal life in the damaged region as soon as possible," the Prime Minister said.

The powerful earthquake was registered in nine prefectures of Japan besides Fukushima, including the Tokyo Area. Seismologists believe that it was an aftershock of the March 11, 2011, quake, which caused massive tsunamis. Back then, almost 16,000 people died, while 2,500 local residents are still considered missing.

The current earthquake caused massive power outages. The power is restored now, but water supply remains disrupted. The authorities believe that repairs to the railroad may take up to 10 days. No major destruction was registered in the disaster area.

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