Updated ,first published
Tokyo: An earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of northeastern Japan on Monday, prompting authorities to tell residents to stay away from coastal areas where tsunami waves of up to three meters were expected.
The quake was centered in the Pacific Ocean and had a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The biggest waves were forecast to hit the Iwate and Aomori prefectures at the tip of Japan’s main island of Honshu, and the northern island of Hokkaido, authorities said.
In the hour following the earthquake, which struck at 4.52pm (5.52pm AEST), an 80cm tsunami wave was detected. Warnings remained in place for the possibility of high tides over Japan’s main island of Honshu and the northern region of Hokkaido.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or major damage, government spokesman Minoru Kihara told a news conference as night fell in the capital, Tokyo.
Several port cities, including Otsuchi and Kamaishi – both hit by a major earthquake and tsunami in 2011 – previously issued evacuation orders for thousands of residents, according to public broadcaster NHK. Bullet train services were suspended and some roads were closed following the tremors.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who said the government has formed an emergency task force, urged citizens in the affected areas to evacuate to safety.
Ships left the port of Hachinohe in Hokkaido in anticipation of the waves, images shown on NHK showed as “Tsunami! Get out!” an alert flashed on the screen.
Large aftershocks could occur in the following days and weeks, an official from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said in a separate press conference.
A three-meter tsunami can cause damage to low-lying areas, flood buildings, and anyone in danger will be found in its currents, according to the JMA.
The quake measured “top five” on Japan’s earthquake intensity scale – strong enough to make it difficult for people to get around. Often, unreinforced concrete retaining walls collapse.
Japan is one of the most earthquake prone countries in the world. An earthquake occurs in the island nation at least every five minutes. Located on the “Ring of Fire” of volcanoes and ocean trenches that surround the Pacific Basin, Japan accounts for about 20 percent of the world’s earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or greater.
There are no nuclear reactors operating in the affected areas and Hokkaido Electric Power Co and Tohoku Electric Power Co said no faults were reported at their non-operating facilities there.
Reuters
