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1 Dead, Dozens Hurt in Tornado Close to Tokyo

Rare twister destroys some 200 houses

By the Associated Press

Posted May 6, 2012 1:51 PM CDT

(AP) – A tornado tore through a city northeast of Japan's capital today, killing one person, injuring dozens of others, and destroying scores of houses. Firefighters and medical teams rushed to the area after the tornado struck Tsukuba city, 40 miles from Tokyo. The city is a science center, with dozens of research and academic institutes, but the tornado appeared to mostly hit residential areas.

A 14-year-old boy died after being injured by the storm, Tsukuba Medical Center said. More than 30 other people were injured, including at least 10 who were being treated at hospitals. Public broadcaster NHK showed rows of houses without roofs, apartment complexes with smashed balconies and shattered windows, and tilting telephone poles that could barely stand. About 200 homes were damaged and 24,000 homes were without electricity as lightning added to the storm's damage.

A damaged residential area is seen after a tornado struck Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.
A damaged residential area is seen after a tornado struck Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.   ((AP Photo/Kyodo News))
This photo taken by an anonymous Tsuchiura resident shows a tornado in Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.
This photo taken by an anonymous Tsuchiura resident shows a tornado in Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.   ((AP Photo/Kyodo News))
Buildings are damaged after a tornado struck Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.
Buildings are damaged after a tornado struck Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.   (Yoko Miwa)
People walk near damaged buildings after a tornado struck Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.
People walk near damaged buildings after a tornado struck Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.   (Yoko Miwa)
People look at damaged buildings after a tornado struck Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.
People look at damaged buildings after a tornado struck Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.   (Tetsu Joko)
This photo taken by an anonymous Tsukuba resident shows a tornado in Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.
This photo taken by an anonymous Tsukuba resident shows a tornado in Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.   ((AP Photo/Kyodo News))
People stand near the debris and damaged cars after a tornado struck Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.
People stand near the debris and damaged cars after a tornado struck Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.   (Yoko Miwa)
Residents walk under fallen power poles after a tornado struck Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.
Residents walk under fallen power poles after a tornado struck Tsukuba city, northeast of Tokyo, Sunday, May 6, 2012.   (Tetsu Joko)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
myflap.blow
May 6, 2012 9:33 PM CDT
I wonder if the twister was radioactive at all? Sounds like it could be a another movie for Helen Hunt & Bill Paxton

Copyright 2013 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

 

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