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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
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| Japan hit by 'strong' earthquake | Japan hit by 'strong' earthquake |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| A strong earthquake has hit north-western Japan, triggering small tsunami waves, officials say. | A strong earthquake has hit north-western Japan, triggering small tsunami waves, officials say. |
| The quake of preliminary magnitude 6.6 struck off the coast of Niigata, some 260km (160 miles) north-west of Tokyo, Japan's meteorological agency says. | The quake of preliminary magnitude 6.6 struck off the coast of Niigata, some 260km (160 miles) north-west of Tokyo, Japan's meteorological agency says. |
| It says waves up 50cm (20 inches) high were reported to have hit the coast. | It says waves up 50cm (20 inches) high were reported to have hit the coast. |
| The tremor - which hit the country at 0113 GMT - also swayed buildings in Tokyo. So far there have been no reports of any injuries or damage. | The tremor - which hit the country at 0113 GMT - also swayed buildings in Tokyo. So far there have been no reports of any injuries or damage. |
| A fire was reported at an electricity supply area at the Kashiwazaki nuclear plant, which is close to the epicentre of the earthquake. | |
| But officials said that the plant was automatically shut down and there was no fear of radiation. | |
| A tsunami warning was issued, but it was later lifted. | A tsunami warning was issued, but it was later lifted. |
| Earthquakes are common in Japan, which is situated in one of the world's most seismically active areas, and the country regularly holds safety drills. | Earthquakes are common in Japan, which is situated in one of the world's most seismically active areas, and the country regularly holds safety drills. |
| In October 2004, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Niigata, killing 65 people, and in 1995 a magnitude 7.2 tremor killed more than 6,400 in Kobe. | In October 2004, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Niigata, killing 65 people, and in 1995 a magnitude 7.2 tremor killed more than 6,400 in Kobe. |