Europe Asia News

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a strong earthquake hit northern Japan on Sunday evening, followed by several tremors. A tsunami warning was issued.

The magnitude 6.7 earthquake occurred around 5:00 p.m. local time at a depth of 10 kilometers below the sea surface off the coast of Iwate Prefecture.

No injuries, damage, or abnormalities were reported at the two nuclear power plants in the region.

The agency issued a tsunami warning for the northern coastal region, predicting waves up to one meter high. The warning remained in effect an hour after the initial quake.

Public broadcaster NHK urged residents to stay away from coastal areas due to the risk of tsunami and warned of possible further tremors in the region.

NHK reported that in Ofunato City, Ominato Port, Miyako, and Kamaishi in Iwate Prefecture, waves of about 10 centimeters were observed, later rising to 20 centimeters in the coastal area of Kuji.

Tsunami waves following earthquakes can continue for several hours, repeatedly striking the coast and intensifying over time. Aftershocks also continued in Iwate Prefecture.

According to railway operator JR East, high-speed train services in the region were temporarily suspended. Kyodo News reported that the quakes caused power outages.

The U.S. Geological Survey estimated the preliminary magnitude of the first quake at 6.8.

Located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. The region was struck by a deadly earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.