Tsunami warning after huge 7.3 magnitude earthquake near Fukushima

Japan has issued a tsunami warning after a powerful earthquake struck near the Fukushima power plant.

The quake hit 7.3 on the richter scale and was also felt in Miyagi, Iwate, Tohoku, and other northern regions of Japan.

It was also as high as 6-plus on the Japanese shaking intensity scale, meaning it was too strong for people to stand.

Buildings across eastern Japan, including Tokyo, shook violently, while the Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures were told to brace for 3-foot sea surge.

NHK national television said the tsunami might have reached some areas already.

Fukushima’s power station was devastated by an enormous 9.0 quake and tsunami in 2011, in what was the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl in 1986. 

Any earthquake with a magnitude above 7.0 can pose a ‘serious problem’ for Japan’s nuclear power stations, the International Atomic Energy Agency warned in 2008.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said today’s quake struck 60 kilometres (36 miles) below the sea.

There are no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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