magnitude-6-7-earthquake-strikes-japan-s-northeast

An earthquake of magnitude 6.7 struck Japan’s northeast on Friday, triggering fresh warning of tsunami, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The quake – the third to hit the island nation this week – was recorded at 11.44 a.m. off the coast of Aomori prefecture at a depth of 20 kilometres, prompting agencies to issue a tsunami advisory for waves up to 1 metre high.

The tremor on Friday measured 4 on Japan's 1-7 seismic intensity scale.

Damage and injuries weren’t immediately clear, but fear ran high among residents, especially after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit the north of Japan on Monday, causing injuries, light damage and a tsunami in Pacific coastal communities.

 

However, Japan’s meteorological authorities later lifted the tsunami warning after the 6.9-magnitude earthquake triggered a 20-centimetre-high tsunami wave in waters close to Hokkaido and Aomori prefectures.

In Hokkaido and across much of the Tohoku region, strong tremors had been felt on Friday.

 

Also Read: Day after major tremor, 5.7-magnitude earthquake rattles Japan

This was the second strongest quake in the island nation after Monday’s 7.5-magnitude tremor that jolted the eastern coast, prompting the JMA to issue a subsequent megaquake advisory of magnitude 8 or beyond. At least 34 people had been injured in the previous quake, which also occurred off the coast of Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Japan’s main Honshu island.

The government has since advised residents to prepare for emergency evacuation, especially those who live in the region from Hokkaido in the north to Chiba, east of Tokyo.

Meanwhile, Japanese authorities have upgraded security and safety measures at the nuclear plants after the quake.

The Tohoku Electric Power Company said no abnormalities were found at the Higashidori nuclear power plant in Aomori Prefecture or at the Onagawa plant in Miyagi Prefecture.

Authorities at the Tokyo Electric Power Company also said no damage was found at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear plants.

Both companies reported no abnormal-level readings or changes at monitoring posts that measure radiation levels in and around the nuclear plants.