Strong Aftershock Rattles Japan as Heavy Rains Flood Parts of the Country

Damage potential from this quake had potential to be extremely dangerous when the severe weather in the area is factored in. Currently, heavy rain and overflowing rivers in the Fukushima and Niigata prefectures are creating hazards -- add in a sizable earthquake and you have a recipe for disaster.

More than 200,000 people had already been evacuated into shelters in several municipalities and two prefectures as of Saturday evening before this quake occurred. At least 3,000 homes have already been flooded and at least six people are dead or missing due to flooding. Parts of Japan have received more than twice the amount of rain in a three-day time period as is normally received during the entire month of July. A damaging earthquake right now would add to the already dangerous conditions.

[link to www.associatedcontent.com]