The earthquake has been preliminarily measured at magnitude 7.5 and is said to have had its epicenter in Ishikawa prefecture in western Japan.
A tsunami warning has been issued for the country’s northwest coast. All in all, it is a 300 kilometer stretch that has been flagged.
People who are in the area are asked to evacuate immediately, reports the public service company NHK with reference to the weather authority.
At the moment, it is unclear how much damage the earthquake caused. Videos that have been posted on social media, however, show both damaged houses and roads.
Several smaller aftershocks have also been reported in the area.
The Japanese government announces that a nuclear power plant located in the area has not suffered damage.