SRINAGAR: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck off Japan’s northeastern coast on Monday, prompting a tsunami alert, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
The tremor occurred at 4:53 pm local time (0753 GMT) in the Pacific Ocean near northern Iwate Prefecture at a depth of 10 km. Strong shaking was felt over a wide area, with high-rise buildings swaying even in Tokyo, located several hundred kilometres from the epicentre.
The seismic event also led to a tsunami being observed along the coast, Reuters reported, citing Japanese broadcaster NHK.
Authorities issued warnings of tsunami waves reaching up to 3 metres (10 feet) in parts of Iwate Prefecture and Hokkaido. Train services on the Tokyo–Aomori Shinkansen line were suspended following the quake, according to Kyodo.
The Japan Meteorological Agency cautioned that initial tsunami waves could strike the northern coastline almost immediately. “Evacuate immediately from coastal regions and riverside areas to a safer place such as high ground or an evacuation building,” the agency said, warning of potential damage.
