Tokyo, April 20, (dpa/GNA) – A magnitude-7.5 earthquake has struck in the waters off north-eastern Japan, triggering tsunami warnings in several coastal areas.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake, occurred at 4:53 pm (0753 GMT) on Monday off the coast of the Sanriku region, at a depth of 10 kilometres.
Tsunami warnings, the second-highest alert level after major tsunami warnings, were issued for affected regions, with agency saying that waves of up to 3 metres, could reach parts of the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido.
Waves of up to 80 centimetres were recorded shortly afterwards along the coast of Iwate prefecture, broadcaster NHK reported.
No irregularities were detected at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant or at nuclear facilities in Miyagi Prefecture and Aomori Prefecture, according to the Kyodo News, citing plant operators.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, urged residents in affected areas, to move immediately to higher ground.
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
GNA