71.   But Smith said that because the area has few human inhabitants, even major quakes there would cause little damage.

72.   California is bisected by the San Andreas fault which has been the cause of major quakes in the region.

73.   Chilean seismologists said the quake was not associated with a faultline where a major quake has been expected.

74.   Fears of a major quake in Tokyo have long been taken seriously by the school which adopts the same measures as Japanese schools.

75.   The quake brought down sections of tunnel and cracked support pillars, wiping out the conviction that subways could withstand major quakes.

76.   Major quakes have been hitting northern Japan since late December, but the latest temblor was the strongest registered in Tokyo and neighbouring areas in months.

77.   On the Richter scale, an earthquake of magnitude seven is considered a major quake, capable of widespread, heavy damage if it occurs near populated areas.

78.   Nevertheless, Daran said residents, huddled around camp fires in car parks and other open spaces, were convinced that another major quake was on its way.

79.   Seismology experts say western Japan should be prepared for more major quakes as the area has many faults.