Niigata Quake Causes 1.5 Trillion in Damage

Earthquakes cost a lot of money. They not only cause physical damage, but also cost countries, companies and people in what they canNOT do.

The earthquake in Kashiwazaki, Niigata has caused an estimated 1.5 trillion yen ($13 billion) in damage…about half because of the temporary halt of the nuclear power plant there.

Around 3,000 people are still living in shelters…some suffereing from "economy-class syndrome.'

The death toll stands at 11 and injuries are around 1,000. Some 10,000 houses weer damaged or destroyed. Half of the city still has no potable water.

The other half of the losses –

1. 300 billion yen in commerical and industrial sectors

2. 200 billion in buildings and houses

3. 70 billion in infrastructure

4. 40 billion in agriculture, forestry and fisheries

Kashiwazaki is small city of about 90,000 people. I had a school there that was taken over by teachers.

I hope they are alright.