A powerful earthquake has struck off Northern Japan at a depth of 10km, sending tremors hundreds of miles away, reaching as far as the capital, Tokyo.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake of 7.5 magnitude occurred off the coast of Sanriku, Iwate Prefecture at 4:53 p.m.
The tremor registered an Upper 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale in the hardest-hit regions, raising fears of an upcoming tsunami about 31 miles (50km) off the Japanese coast.
Tsunami alerts
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a tiered alert system as sea levels continue to fluctuate. In Iwate Prefecture, parts of Aomori and Hokkaido, a tsunami as high as 3 meters is expected.
JMA also issued a tsunami advisory to Hokkaido, Aomori, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures as the water may reach up to 1 meter in those areas.
In Kuji Port, Iwate Prefecture, one 80cm tsunami has struck and the water is constantly rising in these areas. Miyako Port in Iwate Prefecture was also struck by a 40cm tsunami.
The country’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has advised people especially in impacted areas to seek refuge in higher grounds.
In the wake of the powerful earthquake, no abnormalities were reported at the Fukushima plant, confirmed by Tokyo Electric Power Company.
Moreover, the authorities have also suspended Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train services to avoid any mishap.
