Tsunami hits northern Japan after powerful earthquake

A tsunami of about 80 cm (31 inches) hit Japan’s northeast coast after a powerful earthquake struck off the region on Monday, public broadcaster NHK said, warning those in the region to remain in safe areas away from the coast out of concern that larger waves may follow.

The largest tsunami so far hit Iwate, while Aomori and Hokkaido are also expected to be hit, according to NHK.

The earthquake, which struck just after 4:50 p.m. local time, was centered off the northeast coast of Japan and had a magnitude estimated at 7.4, according to the US Geological Survey.

The tremor shook buildings in Tokyo, several hundred kilometers away from the epicenter. The depth of the quake was estimated at about 10 km (6 miles), according to the JMA.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said an emergency response center was being set up by the government, and called for those in areas affected by the earthquake to find safe locations. “Please go quickly to elevated places and evacuation areas,” she said in televised remarks. She said authorities were trying to establish the extent of damage from the quake and if there were any casualties.

Tokyo Electric Power Co said it was investigating the impact of the earthquake on its facilities, while Hokkaido Electric Power Co. said it had not confirmed any abnormalities at its thermal or nuclear power plants. Tohoku Electric Power Co said there were no abnormalities detected in their nuclear or thermal power plants. The quake caused the suspension of Shinkansen high-speed rail services in Iwate, NHK said.

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