7.2-Magnitude Earthquake in Japan’s Northeast Results In a Tsunami Warning

A 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit northeastern Japan on Saturday evening prompting Japanese authorities to issue a warning that a tsunami of about 3 feet (0.9 m) may follow, The New York Times reported.

The quake hit just after 6 PM and lasted for over 30 seconds. Its epicenter was reported to be roughly 35 miles (56 kilometers) below the ocean’s floor off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. 

However, the quake was strong enough to even be felt in Tokyo which is located hundreds of miles from the epicenter. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated the earthquake's depth to be 33.5 miles (54 kilometers), Halifax Today reported.

Meanwhile, Global News reported that there were luckily no immediate reports of damage from the quake and that the tsunami warning was lifted 90 minutes after being issued. CNN also reported that the U.S. Tsunami Warning System indicated that there is no warning, advisory, watch, or threat of tsunami associated with the quake.

It seems that the only effects of the quake were a temporary blackout in some areas and suspended bullet train services in others, Japan’s NHK public television said.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority also revealed that its nuclear power plants in the region, including the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, had not suffered any damage and no abnormalities were currently reported.

Citizens further told NHK that the power went out for a bit and that they felt a shake but that no further disturbances occurred. The news comes as a relief to those that feared that the disastrous events of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant meltdown in the 2011 quake and tsunami would be repeated.

This was a breaking story and was updated as more information became available.