Today's Edition
TOKYO (DPA)
Japanese authorities lifted tsunami warnings on Tuesday, hours after a powerful earthquake struck the country's north-east coast, public broadcaster NHK reported.
The region was reportedly hit by an aftershock, but residents were not in danger. The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) had previously downgraded the tsunami warning to a lower level.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Tuesday morning there were reports of 30 injuries and a residential house fire, though there appeared to be no major damage.
The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.5, struck off the coast of Aomori prefecture in northern Japan late on Monday at a depth of around 54 kilometres. The JMA had initially warned of a tsunami with waves up to 3 metres following the earthquake.
The highest wave recorded, at 70 centimetres, hit the coastal city of Kuji on Honshu, while a 50-centimetre wave reached Urakawa in Hokkaido, the JMA said.
The agency also warned of possible aftershocks.
Experts said a stronger quake could strike in the coming days, and Takaichi urged residents to remain vigilant.
