Strong earthquake hits Fukushima

JAPAN: A strong earthquake struck off the coast of Japan’s Fukushima and Miyagi Prefectures late Wednesday, triggering a tsunami threat and leaving more than 2 million households without electricity, officials said.

Preliminary reports put it at a 7.3 magnitude. The earthquake occurred just off the coast from Fukushima.

At least 97 people were injured in multiple prefectures of Japan, and four people were killed, reports said.

Buildings in central Tokyo were shaken violently and electricity was cut in many districts in the capital including near the prime minister’s office. There are no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

This is a rare case when an earthquake has caused a power failure in Tokyo.

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

The agency advised people to be aware of more quakes and to seek future information.

The region is part of northern Japan that was devastated by a deadly 9.0 quake and tsunami 11 years ago that also caused nuclear plant meltdowns. Wednesday’s quake came only days after the area marked the 11th anniversary of the disaster in March 2011.

The agency issued a tsunami advisory for up to a meter (3-foot) sea surge in parts of Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures. NHK national television said the tsunami might have reached some areas already.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, which operates the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant that suffered multiple meltdowns following the 2011 quake and tsunami that destroyed its cooling systems, said workers were checking for any possible damage.

– ARAB NEWS