TOKYO, July 17 (UPI) -- Japanese authorities Tuesday began a massive relief effort in the country's quake-rocked northwest region.
At least nine elderly people were killed in the 6.8-magnitude quake that hit the Niigata Prefecture Monday morning, with the town of Kashiwazaki taking the brunt. More than 900 people were injured, 700 homes flattened, compounded by power and water supply disruption. About 10,000 were evacuated.
One person was still reported missing.
There were concerns of more aftershocks after at least 70 had been recorded in the affected areas. People also were warned to prepare for rains which could trigger landslides.
About 100 evacuation centers had been set up in Niigata Prefecture. A contingent of 450 Ground Self-Defense Force personnel has been dispatched to the area, the report said.
Separately, the Maritime Self-Defense Force planned to used a transport vessel Tuesday to deliver 15,000 emergency rations and 2,100 blankets to the victims.
"The quake was so fierce, I felt I couldn't stand up," a woman, who operates an inn in Kashiwazaki, said, as she surveyed her destroyed inn.
About 60 elementary, junior and senior high schools in Niigata Prefecture remained closed Tuesday.
