7.5 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Japan; Tsunami Waves Seen
Tokyo: Tsunami waves were observed following an earthquake that struck the eastern coast of Japan's Honshu island on Monday.
According to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), the earthquake measured 7.5 in magnitude on the Richter scale. A report issued by the CENC stated that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, and its epicenter was recorded at 39.85 degrees North latitude and 143.10 degrees East longitude.
The quake triggered tsunamis, injured at least 30 people, and prompted evacuation orders for some 90,000 residents.
Tsunami waves were observed in the Pacific Ocean near the coasts of Iwate and Aomori prefectures. A wave 80 centimeters high was recorded at Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture.
The jolt also reignited a familiar dread that has long haunted this seismically restless nation.
The quake struck at 1:23 pm IST at a depth of just 10 kilometres, registering a magnitude of 7.5, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and the local media urged residents to move to higher ground, away from rivers and coastlines.
No abnormalities reported at the nuclear power plants
According to official reports, no abnormalities of any kind have been reported thus far at the nuclear power plants located in the affected prefectures of Aomori and Miyagi. No irregularities were observed at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear power plants either.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers at 4:53 PM local time. The epicenter of the earthquake was located at 39.8 degrees North latitude and 143.2 degrees East longitude. Residents in the earthquake-affected areas have been urged to move to higher ground.