7.0 quake would kill over 50,000 in S. Korea: disaster agency

By Shim Sun-ah
SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- More than 50,000 people would die in South Korea if
the nation's capital, Seoul, were struck by an earthquake similar in size to last
week's temblor in Haiti, a government agency said Monday.

The National Emergency Management Agency conducted a simulation with its
quake-response system and predicted a 7.0-magnitude quake in southwestern Seoul
would cause 672,231 casualties across the country.
The number breaks down to 50,451 deaths and 621,780 injuries, the agency said.
Under such a scenario, Seoul would be hit the hardest with 419,746 casualties.
Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds Seoul, would follow with 206,782 casualties
and Incheon with 45,364, the agency said.
No casualties were expected in distant southern areas, such as Busan and Daegu.
"The maximum magnitude expected on the Korean Peninsula ranges from 6.0 to 6.5,"
an official at the agency said requesting anonymity. "But even if a 7.0-magnitude
quake occurs, the country will be quick to put is relief system into operation,
dispatching 119 rescue teams, dealing with casualties and reestablishing gas,
electricity and water supplies," the official added.
In Haiti, more than 70,000 bodies have reportedly been collected so far.
The Korea Meteorological Administration warned on Sunday that the Korean
Peninsula is not immune to such strong quakes, with a record-high 60 minor quakes
observed last year. The record is far above the 10-year average of 41, according
to the authorities.
sshim@yna.co.kr
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