A powerful earthquake has struck northern Japan at a depth of 10 km, with tremors reaching the capital Tokyo hundreds of miles away.
The 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sanriku, Iwate Prefecture at 4:53 p.m., according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The earthquake registered an upper 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale in the hardest-hit areas, raising fears of an upcoming tsunami about 31 miles (50 km) off the Japanese coast.
tsunami warning
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a one-level warning system as sea levels continue to fluctuate. In Iwate Prefecture, Aomori and parts of Hokkaido, a tsunami up to 3 meters high is expected.
The JMA also issued a tsunami advisory for Hokkaido, Aomori, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures as water levels could reach 1 meter in those areas.
In Kuji Port, Iwate Prefecture, a tsunami of 80 cm has occurred and the water continues to rise in these areas. Miyako port in Iwate Prefecture was also hit by a 40 cm tsunami.
The country’s Prime Minister Sanae Takachi has advised people in particularly affected areas to take shelter in higher places.
No abnormalities were reported at the Fukushima plant in the wake of the powerful earthquake, Tokyo Electric Power Co. confirmed.
Additionally, authorities have also suspended Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train services to avoid any accidents.
