JAPAN has been struck by ANOTHER massive earthquake.
But how big was it, where did it strike, and is there as tsunami warning? Here’s our lowdown…
The epicentre of the earthquake was at a depth of about six miles in the Sea of Japan.
There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties from the quake, which struck 53 miles northeast of the island of Honshu.
However, Japan’s Meteorological Agency has issued a warning for a tsunami along the north west coast of the main island.
All seven reactors at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant in Niigata are now “off line” and no abnormalities were reported.
The Japanese authorities have been on alert since a powerful earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami in 2011.
Waves swamped the Fukushima plant causing a deadly meltdown in which more than 15,800 people were killed and 2,500 others went missing.
The central government has now set up a task force as a result of today’s quake and is “gathering more information”.
The quake measured 6.8 on the Richter scale at its epicentre.
Footage showed surveillance cameras on buildings in Niigata and Yamagata prefectures shake as the earthquake struck on Tuesday night.
And least one part of the island measured a six – more than enough to bring down less earthquake resistant houses.
Japan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is frequently hit by dangerous tremors and earthquakes.
The last earthquake of this size to strike Japan was in September 2018.
Tsunami warnings have now been issued for the Yamagata, Niigata and Ishikawa regions.
Public broadcaster NHK is now urging people not to go near the coast in a bid to see the tsunami and locals have been told to get out of the water and “leave coastal regions immediately”.
The urgent warning read: “A marine threat is present. Get out of the water and leave coastal regions immediately.
“Due to the risk of ongoing strong currents, do not enter the sea or approach coastal regions until the advisory is lifted.
“Slight sea-level changes may be observed in coastal regions, but no tsunami damage is expected.”
The US’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said the tsunami threat did not extend to Hawaii or Guam.
