Earthquake rocks southern Japan, tsunami warning issued
There was an earthquake in the south-western part of Japan. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the tremors had a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter scale. Tsunami waves are heading towards the coast. Residents are being urged to evacuate immediately.
The earthquake's epicentre, with a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter scale, was in the Hyuga-nada Sea at a depth of 31 kilometres. Residents felt the tremors at 2:43 AM Eastern Time. Earlier, it was reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.9 on the Richter scale.
Earthquake in Japan. Tsunami waves to hit the coast
Authorities have warned residents of Kochi and Miyazaki prefectures to "immediately move away from the coast."
"Being in the sea or near the coast is dangerous. Anyone in the water should leave the water immediately and move away from the shore," the warning reads.
According to NHK television, the waves could be between 10 and 99 centimetres high. The television broadcasts contain messages urging "immediate evacuation."
The first recordings are already appearing online:
"No issues have been reported", NHK television reported, citing statements from the nuclear power plant operators.
