Tsunami warning issued after massive earthquake off Japan’s northeastern coast

A massive earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck northeastern Japan, triggering a tsunami warning and ordering the evacuation of residents.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake occurred at 23:15 (14:15 GMT) at a depth of 50 kilometers (31 miles) about 80 kilometers off the coast of the Aomori region, and caused waves of 40 centimeters (16 inches) in some places.

Local media reported that there were injuries in the area and train services were suspended as a precaution.

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, with an earthquake occurring at least every five minutes.

According to Reuters, authorities have ordered the evacuation of about 90,000 residents.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK quoted a hotel employee in Hachinohe city as saying that many people were injured.

Tohoku Electric Power said there were no abnormalities at Totsutsu Nuclear Power Plant and Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant due to the earthquake.