Quakes shake Japan and Indonesia

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit Japan on Thursday, within minutes of a magnitude 6.6 quake in Indonesia, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The NOAA said that neither earthquake generated a Pacific-wide tsunami threat. However, "earthquakes of this size sometimes generate local tsunamis that can be destructive along coasts located within a hundred kilometers of the earthquake epicenter," the administration said.

On Wednesday, quakes rocked Iran and northern Chile. The Iranian earthquake was said to have destroyed 200 villages.

TopNews

Major quakes hit Japan and Indonesia CNN International - 1 hour ago (CNN) -- A magnitude 6.9 earthquake rattled Japan on Thursday, within minutes of a magnitude 6.6 earthquake in Indonesia, the US Geological Survey said. Powerful earthquake rattles northeastern Indonesia The Associated Press Powerful earthquake rattles northeastern Indonesia International Herald Tribune

North Korean leader may be ill

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il has reportedly suffered a stroke or cerebral hemorrage but is still running the country according to South Korean intelligence sources.

Kim has not been seen in public recently and he apparently was set to appear at the Sept. 9 national anniversary but canceled probably due to inadequate recovery from surgery after the stroke. South Korean sources said that Chinese and French doctors have visited the country to treat Kim.

Pyongyang recently has started rebuilding its nuclear facilities after a deadlock in talks over verification procedures.

BBC News

NKorean leader suffered stroke: Seoul intelligence AFP - 1 hour ago SEOUL (AFP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il has suffered a stroke but is still able to run the country and will recover, South Korea's intelligence agency told parliament Wednesday. Video: N. Korea's Kim Jong Il May Be Sick AssociatedPress Kim Jong Il had stroke, Seoul officials say International Herald Tribune