Tsunmai warning issued after massive 7.2-magnitude earthquake strikes off the coast of Japan

Tsunmai warning issued after massive 7.2-magnitude earthquake strikes off the coast of Japan

  • Japan public broadcaster NHK warned residents a tsunami of one metre high
  • The quake hit at 6:09 pm (0909 GMT) in Pacific waters off Miyagi region 

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck near the east coast of Honshu, Japan on Saturday, the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences said.

Japan public broadcaster NHK warned residents a tsunami of one metre was expected for Miyagi Prefecture.

The quake hit at 6:09 pm (0909 GMT) in Pacific waters off Miyagi region with a depth of 60 kilometres (37 miles), the JMA said, issuing an advisory for tsunami waves of around one metre. 

‘The warning stated: It is dangerous in the sea or near the coast. Those who are in the sea should immediately get out of the sea and leave the coast.

‘The tide will continue to be fast, so please do not enter the sea or approach the coast until the warning is cleared.’

The warning also said that it was expected that there would be ‘slight sea fluctuation’, and that in some places the tsunami may be higher than ‘expected tsunami height.’ 

More to follow…