InsideJapan News Network

The knock-on effects of the Sendai earthquake continued today (March 14th), as Japan readies itself for a major aftershock, which could measure up to 7.0 on the Richter scale.

The Japan Meteorological Agency up-rated Friday's earthquake to 9.0 on the Richter scale yesterday, meaning that it was twice as powerful as initially thought.

Furthermore, they estimate that there is a 70 per cent chance of a 7.0 magnitude aftershock occurring within the next two days.

As a result, British tourists have been advised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to avoid all non-essential travel to Tokyo or the north-east of Japan.

The earthquake and resultant tsunami is estimated to have caused insured damage in excess of £22 billion.

To stabilise the economy, an emergency meeting of the Bank of Japan has voted to immediately inject 15 trillion yen (£114 billion) into the banking system, while a further 6.8 trillion yen (£45.4 billion) will be made available in the next two days.

Written by Susan Ballion