More Amazing Natural Phenomenon

UPDATE 1: Officials withdraw tsunami warning, following a strong earthquake off
the coast of Niigata in northwestern Japan July 16. Extensive damage reported.

This alert affects Japan.
This alert began 16 Jul 2007 08:00 GMT and is scheduled to expire 20 Jul 2007
23:59 GMT.

UPDATE 1 to July 16 alert:

Authorities report at least four people dead and more than 400 people injured
following a magnitude 6.8 earthquake in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) off the
coast of Niigata in northwestern Japan, July 16. At least 350 buildings suffered
damage from the earthquake. Officials have set up nearly 100 evacuation centers
and have begun relief and rescue missions in Niigata Prefecture.

Authorities have withdrawn a tsunami warning issued within minutes of the
earthquake.

The earthquake and subsequent aftershocks caused a small fire at the Kashiwazaki
Kariwa nuclear power plant. Authorities have extinguished the fire and report no
radiation leaks. Other nuclear power reactors automatically shut down following
the earthquake.

Officials have suspended some bullet trains and all local trains. One local
train derailed; authorities report no injuries. Reconfirm all travel plans. Over
37,000 homes lost water supplies. Expect local power, gas and water supply
disruptions.