Friday, April 8, 2011

7.4 magnitude earthquake rattles Japan N.E. coast

BEIJING, April 8 (Xinhuanet) -- An earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale hit the sea near Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan Thursday evening. Authorities issued a tsunami warning, but later lifted it.

The tremor caused widespread blackouts in affected areas. But several nuclear plants were shut down in case the tragedy of Fukushima was repeated.

Less than a month later, another strong quake hit the island country.

The earthquake's epicentre was about 40 km under the sea off the coast of Miyagi prefecture.

The tremor caused motorways to be closed and has been classified by the Japanese Meteorological Agency as an aftershock of the huge quake on March 11th that devastated much of the area.

Official from Meteorological Agency, said, "After the earthquake occurred a tsunami alert was issued for Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Iwate. However we later expected there would be no tsunamis and so these alerts and advisories were lifted. Although these alerts and advisories have been lifted, we would like to urge extra caution."

More

No comments: