Series of quakes hit Japanese islets

TOKYO (AFP) Dec 31, 2003
A series of earthquakes measuring a maximum 4.3 on the Richter scale hit small islands south of Tokyo on Wednesday but there was no danger of tsunami tidal waves, Japan's meteorological agency said.

There were no reports of damage or injuries in the islands of Niijima and Kozushima, some 150 kilometres (93 miles) south of the capital.

"Quakes still continue to rattle the area, although the frequency is falling," an agency official said.

The first quake was felt at 12:09 am (1509 GMT Tuesday), she said.

The biggest tremor at 12:32 am (1532 GMT) had a magnitude of 4.3, she said.

The focus of the quakes was 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) below sea level off the islands, the agency said.

TERRA.WIRE