‘I was quite scared’: Hongkonger in Japan’s quake-hit Kumamoto describes shock

South China Morning PostIndependentCenter5 hr. ago

An 18-year-old Hongkonger named Leon Chan described feeling 'quite scared' during a 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Kumamoto prefecture in Japan. She and her boyfriend were traveling in the area when the quake hit, causing them to experience intense shaking that lasted around 30 seconds. Initially mistaking the tremors for a passing truck, Chan later realized the severity of the situation after her phone alerted her to the earthquake. According to NHK, at least two hospitals in Kumamoto were treating over 50 injured individuals, some in critical condition. After the quake, Chan and her partner returned to their accommodation, only to find that essential services such as electricity and water had been disrupted, leaving the area in disarray.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a natural disaster event and its impact on travelers, with no mention of political figures, policies, or contentious issues. It provides a neutral account of the incident and includes information from NHK regarding injuries, without any apparent bias or framing that suggests a

South China Morning PostIndependentCenter12 hr. ago

A major earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture, causing significant damage including collapsed buildings, fires, and damaged infrastructure. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed multiple injuries and noted ongoing assessments of the situation. Television footage broadcast by NHK showed extensive damage, including derailed trains, cracked roads, and over 12 collapsed homes. While the Japan Meteorological Agency classified the quake as a maximum 7 on the Shindo scale, the US Geological Survey recorded it as 6.8. Officials emphasized that while such quakes are common in Japan, this event has prompted urgent emergency responses.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the earthquake and its immediate effects without overtly favoring any political stance. It includes quotes from the Prime Minister and reports from NHK and the Japan Meteorological Agency, providing balanced coverage of the disaster without ideological傾