After 7.3-Magnitude Earthquake, Tsunami Hits Japan
A strong earthquake centered off the coast of northeastern Japan shook buildings as far away as Tokyo on Friday and triggered a one-meter-high tsunami in an area devastated by the Fukushima disaster.
Japan’s NHK television urged people in coastal areas likely to be affected to head to safety.
“If you are in the tsunami warning area, hurry and escape,” the broadcaster warned.
“Escape to a high area as fast as you can. If there is no high area, move to a tall building, or escape as far away from the coast as possible. Do not stop. Do not go back.”
Workers at the site were moved to safe positions at the plant shortly after Tokyo Electric Power Co, the operator, said there were no irregularities at its nuclear plants after the latest quake.
There were no reports of deaths or serious damage, although five people were reportedly slightly injured.
All tsunami warnings for the area have now been lifted.
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was heading to his office where he would be monitoring the situation.
Japan Railways East temporarily suspended Shinkansen bullet train services to check any damage, while Haneda Airport near central Tokyo was reported to be operating normally.
Narita airport was reported to have resumed operations after a temporary suspension.
Related Article: Strong 7.3 magnitude earthquake hits northeast Japan: Tsunami Alert