A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan, triggering tsunami warnings, Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) said on Monday. Roughly 40 minutes after the earthquake, a tsunami wave measuring about 80 centimetres (31 inches) reached the port city of Kuji in Iwate as confirmed by the JMA. Authorities immediately escalated safety alerts due to the risk of further waves. A tsunami warning was later downgraded to a tsunami advisory. After the powerful jolt, Japan issued a special advisory warning of an increased risk of earthquakes at magnitude 8.0 or stronger, “The likelihood of a new, huge earthquake occurring is relatively higher than during normal times.” Japan’s Meteorological Agency said in a statement. A 7.4-magnitude earthquake is considered strong and capable of causing serious damage, particularly near its epicentre.

Full report : A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan, triggering tsunami warnings, Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) said on Monday.