Tsunami could kill 149,000 in Hokkaido in worst-case quake scenario

Damage estimates released Thursday by the Hokkaido government show tsunami could kill 149,000 people in the event a major earthquake hits off Japan's northernmost main island, surpassing a central government prediction by around 12,000.But the report also said deaths could be significantly reduced if thorough evacuation measures are swiftly carried out, a conclusion prompting the Hokkaido government to further cooperate with municipalities to prepare for the worst-case scenario.The estimates factored in damage from a megaquake and resulting tsunami originating in the Japan Trench, which str…READ FULL ARTICLE