Strong earthquake in Japan, causing tsunami warning

Japan today issued a tsunami warning, after a 7.3-magnitude quake hit the northeastern coast of the country and shook buildings in Tokyo.

The figure shows the location and influence of the earthquake
7.3 Richter scale (largest circle). (Graphic: Myforecast)

Media reports say a one-meter high tsunami could hit the coast of an area that had been hit by a tsunami in March last year, killing nearly 20,000 people.

People in at least one town are Minamisanriku, Miyagi prefecture, recommended to evacuate to higher areas. Other towns may also be in the area of ​​the tsunami.

NHK cites information from the national meteorological agency said the tsunami is expected to hit the coast of Iwate at 17:40, Fukushima at 5:50 pm and Aomori with Ibaraki at 18:00 local time.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) measures an 7.3-magnitude earthquake. The tremor occurred at a depth of 36km under the Pacific Ocean. The epicenter is located about 284km east of Sendai, 459km northeast of Tokyo.