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Tsunami alert as quake hits Japan Tsunami alert as quake hits Japan
(10 minutes later)
A tsunami alert has been issued in Japan after a powerful earthquake struck near the Okinawan coast.A tsunami alert has been issued in Japan after a powerful earthquake struck near the Okinawan coast.
The Japan Meteorological Agency gave the strength as 6.9 while the US Geological Survey put it at 7.3.The Japan Meteorological Agency gave the strength as 6.9 while the US Geological Survey put it at 7.3.
It struck at 0531 (2031 GMT), 84km (52 miles) east of Naha, on the island of Okinawa, 29km (18 miles) below the seabed, Reuters news agency reports.It struck at 0531 (2031 GMT), 84km (52 miles) east of Naha, on the island of Okinawa, 29km (18 miles) below the seabed, Reuters news agency reports.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage in the country, which is often hit by earthquakes.There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage in the country, which is often hit by earthquakes.
In 1995, a magnitude-7.2 quake in the port city of Kobe killed 6,400 people.In 1995, a magnitude-7.2 quake in the port city of Kobe killed 6,400 people.
On its website, the Japan Meteorological Agency initially warned of a tsunami of 2m (7ft) in height but later revised this down to about 0.5m (1ft 7in).On its website, the Japan Meteorological Agency initially warned of a tsunami of 2m (7ft) in height but later revised this down to about 0.5m (1ft 7in).
For a tsunami to be classed as "major", it has to be at least 3m.For a tsunami to be classed as "major", it has to be at least 3m.
Some BBC News website readers in the region have written to say they experienced a violent shaking for several seconds. Their stories could not be verified immediately. BBC News website reader Ivan Brackin, who lives on Yoron Island, said it was the biggest quake he had felt in his 40 years in Japan but there had been no visible effects in his area.
"I woke up to violent shudders that lasted about six seconds then a pause followed by a couple of sharp jumps," one wrote. "We're 30 yards [metres] from the sea and no sign of a tsunami," he said.
"We were in bed and shaken up quite badly for quite a long time when the quake hit," wrote another. "I woke up to violent shudders that lasted about six seconds then a pause followed by a couple of sharp jumps. Jumpers are the most dangerous so that sent me under the desk."
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by the earthquake? Send your comments using the post form below.Are you in the area? Have you been affected by the earthquake? Send your comments using the post form below.
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