Asia-Pacific News

Powerful quake rattles north Japan; tsunami warning lifted (2nd Lead)

Sep 11, 2008, 4:04 GMT

Tokyo - An earthquake registering 7 on the Richter scale struck Thursday in northern Japan, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning that was later lifted. Police said there were no reports of injuries or damage from the affected island of Hokkaido, but about 10,000 residents were temporarily advised to evacuate because of the tsunami warning. The Japan Meteorological Agency lifted the warning shortly after waves measuring 10 to 20 centimetres that were triggered by the quake reached the eastern coast of Hokkaido around 10 am (0100 GMT). The quake, which struck at 9:21 am, was centred at a depth of 20 kilometres off Hokkaido's Pacific coast in the Tokachi area and was followed by a series of aftershocks, the agency said. Airports in Hokkaido resumed business after a temporary shutdown. The Tomari nuclear power plant in south-eastern Hokkaido was not affected, the Hokkaido Electric Power Co said. Japan is one of the most seismically active parts of the world.

Asia-Pacific News

Powerful quake rattles north Japan; tsunami warning lifted (2nd Lead)

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