News

Massive Quake Hits Near Fukushima, Japan

by Krystin Arneson

On the heels of a huge quake that rocked the Philippines 10 days ago, a massive 7.3-magnitude earthquake (originally reported as 7.6 and 7.1) struck 231 miles east of Honshu, a Japanese island, this morning. The quake was near the site of the disabled Fukushima nuclear plant. Tremors of the quake were felt 300 miles away in Tokyo.

Japan's emergency authorities have declared a 1-meter-high tsunami warning to be in effect. Both Japan and the U.S. Pacific warning center have said there wasn't much of a threat, besides a minor sea level change. However, the Japanese Meteorological Authority has cautioned swimmers with a "yellow" warning that, um, now might not be the best time for a dip.

"Marine threat is in place," said the agency. "Get out of the water and leave the coast immediately. As the strong current will continue, do not get in the sea or approach coasts until the advisory is cleared."

There are no reports of damage on land so far, and Fukushima seems to have escaped unscathed.

A typhoon also struck the same area last Wednesday, causing the evacuation of 20,000 and killing 17. So far this month, southeast Asia has experienced 182 quakes — 44 in the past week alone — while the Philippines continue to experience mid-level aftershocks.

Image: Google Crisis Map