Tsunami warning as 7.2-magnitude earthquake hits Japan

AFP | Tokyo

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Japan’s meteorological agency issued a tsunami advisory on Saturday after a strong 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the northeastern coast, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The quake hit at 6:09 pm (0909 GMT) in Pacific waters off the Miyagi region with a depth of 60 kilometres (37 miles), the JMA said, issuing an advisory for tsunami waves of around one metre.

Local utilities were inspecting the status of the region’s nuclear plants, and local railway firms suspended services, including shinkansen bullet trains.

The US Geological Service put the strength of the quake at 7.0-magnitude.