A strong earthquake has struck northern Japan. The quake struck off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture at 11:15 p.m. on Monday. Its focus was 54 kilometers deep, and the magnitude is estimated at 7.5.
Strong quake hits northern Japan
Strong tremors were felt across the region. Tremors with an intensity of upper 6 on the Japanese intensity scale of 0 to 7 were observed in the city of Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture.
A hotel employee in Hachinohe City said: It seems there are multiple injured people. Everyone appears to be conscious.
If you are in these areas, try to remain in a safe place and protect yourself. Use extreme caution if you must move. Damage around you could be heavy. Stay alert. More tremors are possible
Tsunami warning and advisory issued
The Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami warning for the Pacific coastline in northern Japan, including Iwate Prefecture, and parts of Hokkaido and Aomori prefectures.
The agency says: it is the first time the agency has issued a tsunami warning since July, when a powerful quake off Kamchatka, Russia, prompted it to issue one for Japan's Pacific coastal areas.
Authorities warn that waves as high as three meters could hit the prefectures. A tsunami advisory is in place for other parts of the region, including Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures.
They are calling on people to stay away from the coastline, as well as the mouths of rivers.
... continue reading