Japan earthquake tsunami warning issued

A presenter on state broadcaster NHK told viewers to warn affected people to get to higher ground  

A tsunami warning has been issued after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's eastern coast. The epicentre of the quake was about 245km (150 miles) south-east of Kamiashi at a depth of about 36km, the US Geological Survey said.

The quake was felt in the capital Tokyo, media report.The tsunami warning was issued for the coast of Miyagi Prefecture, which was hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.

The US-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no threat to the wider Pacific Ocean but that a tsunami could be generated that was destructive for local coastlines. Warnings of the tsunami height varied between 50cm and 2m. Evacuations have been ordered from some of the affected areas.

A presenter on state broadcaster NHK told viewers: "Remember last year's quake and tsunami. Call on your neighbours and flee to higher ground now!"

Buildings were reported to have swayed violently in Tokyo.

The 9.0 magnitude quake that struck on 11 March 2011 left more than 15,000 people dead and more than 3,200 missing.

That quake triggered a meltdown of fuel rods at the Fukushima nuclear plant, causing radiation leaks and mass evacuations.

The plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power, told Agence France-Presse there were no reports of problems there this time.

Source: BBC News