According to preliminary data, the magnitude of the quake was 7.3 on the Richter scale. The Meteorological Institute of Japan warns of waves one meter high.
16.3. 18:15 • Updated March 16th. 18:40
The northeast coast of Japan has been shaken by a powerful earthquake, Reuters reports. According to preliminary data, the magnitude of the quake was 7.3 on the Richter scale.
According to the Japan Meteorological Institute, the quake struck 60 kilometers below sea level at 23.36 local time.
A tsunami warning has been issued as a result of the quake. According to the Japan Meteorological Institute (JMA), waves can reach one meter.
National television NHK estimates that the tsunami may have already reached certain areas. NHK reports 20-centimeter-high waves.
In Tokyo, more than 2 million households are currently without electricity.
The quake struck the same area where a 9.0 magnitude earthquake in 2011 caused a severe tsunami and nuclear disaster. Power plant company Tepco has said its employees are inspecting the Fukushima nuclear power plant for possible damage.
So far, no damage has been found at the nuclear power plant or offshore oil refineries.
The Japanese Air Force said it had sent fighter jets from Hyakuri base, just south of Fukushima, to assess the damage.
Most of the train traffic is East Japan Railway Co. suspended due to security checks.
The Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida told reporters that the government was assessing the extent of the damage and promised to do its best for rescue and relief operations.
Updated March 16 at 18.27: Supplemented news: Wave height, not yet damaged at the nuclear power plant.