Japan earthquake sparks tsunami alert as 7.2 magnitude quake strikes

A massive 7.2. magnitude earthquake has triggered a tsunami in Japan after a quake struck off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture.

Waves of up to one meter hit land 20 minutes after the earthquake hit at around 6.09pm on March 20, NHK reported.

Japan’s meteorological agency issued a tsunami warning after the quake hit, as the U.S. consulate urged people to seek higher ground.

Yoshihide Suga, the country’s Prime Minister, called for a crisis meeting at his residence in Tokyo in response to the quake.

People close to the coast have been told to follow emergency protocols and leave their homes immediately.

Across the capital, Tokyo city’s rail network was halted between Tokyo and Kakegawa Station as people reported seeing electrical “posts shaking.”

The earthquake came a month after Japan was hit by a 7.1. quake off the coast of Fukushima.

It initially sparked fears of a tsunami warning but a spokesperson for the JMA said a tsunami alert has not been issued for the area.

Strong shaking was been reported in nearby Namie, Fukushima and Sendai, with several in those areas also reporting power cuts.

Photos of rooms and shops in Fukushima with furniture and shelves in disarray have also surfaced on social media.

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