Tsunami Warning Issued After Quake Off Fukushima In Japan

An earthquake with magnitude of 6.9 struck Tuesday off the coast of Fukushima prefecture in Japan, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

However, a preliminary magnitude 7.3 earthquake was recorded, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. Both agencies put the depth at just over 6 miles. 

While residents as far away as Tokyo reported feeling the shaking, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, Reuters reports. 

A tsunami warning for waves of up to 10 feet was issued. Waves of around three feet were observed in Soma port in Fukushima, according to Japanese media. 

Two operators of potentially affected nuclear plants reported no initial signs of damage.

CBS News

Reuters reports that much of the northern Japanese coast is being urged to evacuate due to the possibility of a tsunami. The Pacific Tusnami Warning Center said in a statement faraway places like Hawaii aren’t expected to experience any tsunami affects. 

In 2011, a magnitude 9.1 earthquake in the same region triggered a massive tsunami and led to almost 16,000 deaths. The temblor and tsunami led to a nuclear disaster at the power plant in Fukushima, which is still causing problems to this day.

The operator of the plant said there were no abnormalities observed at the plant, Japanese public broadcaster NHK said.

Reuters reports that as a result of the 2011 disaster, all nuclear plants on the coast threatened by the tsunami are shutdown in the wake of the Fukushima disaster. Only two reactors are operating in Japan, both in the southwest of the country, far away from the tsunami warning.