Big Quake Hits Northern Japan, Leaving 9 Dead, 30 Missing
By EUGENE HOSHIKO, HARUKA NUGA and MARI YAMAGUCHI , Associated Press SAPPORO, Japan (AP) — A powerful earthquake Thursday on Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido triggered dozens of landslides that crushed houses under torrents of dirt, rocks and timber, prompting frantic efforts to unearth any survivors. At least nine people were killed, Prime Minister…