Strong 7.6-magnitude earthquake jolts Japan's northeastern coast, tsunami warning missued
Japan Earthquake: A strong 7.6-magnitude earthquake has been recorded off the northeastern coast of Japan. The epicenter was located approximately 80 kilometers offshore from Aomori Prefecture, with a depth of approximately 50 kilometers.
The temblor happened at 11:15 p.m. Japan time (about 7.45 pm IST) about 72 km northeast of Misawa, Japan, data from the U.S.G.S. shows.
Immediately after the tremor, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning. According to the agency, waves up to three meters (about 10 feet) high are expected in the coastal areas of Aomori and Hokkaido.
Four deaths confirmed, injured people arriving for treatment
Officials in Ishikawa prefecture confirmed four deaths, according to the Kyodo news agency. In Wajima city, close to the epicentre, people were reported to have been buried beneath the rubble of houses that collapsed. A large fire in the city engulfed a row of houses, with people being evacuated in the dark. Local hospitals reported a number of injured people arriving for treatment, though damaged roads were hampering the transport of patients.
The agency said the earthquake struck off the coast of Aomori and Hokkaido. Following the quake, the agency issued a tsunami alert for the region. The Japanese agency said the Ishikawa Prefecture and surrounding areas were most vulnerable.
The strong tremors caused panic throughout the region. Public broadcaster NHK reported that safety checks were being conducted on nuclear power plants in the area. The agency also urged people to immediately move to higher ground and stay away from the coast. Emergency information was being broadcast continuously on TV channels.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has also issued an alert, stating that dangerous waves generated by this earthquake could affect the coastlines of Japan and Russia. Any coastal area within approximately 1,000 kilometers of the epicenter remains at risk of a tsunami.