Photos: The entire island of Hokkaido in Japan is without power after an earthquake

A 7.0-magnitude quake hit Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido early today (Sept. 6), leaving at least four dead and dozens injured or missing by the latest count.

The quake also left the entire island and its population of 5.3 million people without electricity, after Hokkaido Electric Power said the quake shut down the island’s largest thermal power plant. In the meantime, the hydropower plants in operation are being used to restore power to the thermal power plants, but are unable to provide electricity to homes and companies. Japan’s trade minister, however, said it could take a week (link in Japanese) for power to be restored at the major Tomato-Atsuma thermal power plant.

The quake also left Hokkaido’s main airport, New Chitose Airport in the city of Sapporo, closed for the day due to extensive damage, exacerbating travel disruptions in Japan after Kansai International Airport in Osaka was battered by Typhoon Jebi earlier this week. Local public transport has also been suspended, including the bullet train connecting Hakodate in Hokkaido to Aomori on the main island of Honshu. Hokkaido is a popular tourist spot, known for its lakes, mountains, and farms, and is famous for its dairy produce and seafood.

Kyodo/via ReutersA man is seen at an area damaged by an earthquake in Sapporo in Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.EPA-EFE/Jiji PressAn aerial photo shows the aftermath of a large landslide that occurred after an earthquake hit Atsuma in Hokkaido.EPA-EFE/Jiji Press
A collapsed house is seen following a large landslide that occured after an earthquake hit Atsuma in Hokkaido.EPA-EFE/Jiji Press
A damaged road is seen after a strong earthquake hit Hokkaido, in Abira


EPA-EFE/Jiji Press
Debris litter the ground next to a damaged building after a strong earthquake hit overnight in Sapporo.EPA-EFE/Jiji press
A police officer stands at a crossing following a blackout after a strong earthquake hit Sapporo.Kyodo via Reuters
Landslides caused by an earthquake are seen in Atsuma town in Hokkaido.EPA-EFE/Jiji PressBroken glass and panels litter the floor at New Chitose Airport.EPA-EFE/Jiji Press
Trees block the road leading to Atsuma after an earthquake hit Hokkaido, in Mukawa.

https://qz.com/1380699/pictures-damage-in-japans-hokkaido-after-6-7-magnitude-earthquake/