Japan on tsunami alert after 7.3 quake in Pacific

07 December, 2012

Miyagi perfecture, the same area where a massive quake triggered a powerful tsunami in March 2011, has just been hit by a one-metre tall tsunami or tidal wave. Warnings have been issued in Fukushima, Aomori and Ibaraki towns for people to find higher grounds in case a tsunami hits. Though Japanese officials have now downgraded the threat from the tsunami.

AS PER the United States Geological Survey, the quake's magnitude was at 7.3 - revised from 7.4. The epicentre of the quake was 284 kms east of Sendai and 459 kms north-east of Tokyo. The quake's depth is reported to be 36 kilometres under the Pacific Ocean.

There have been reports that the quake led to buildings 'swaying' in Tokya. Bullet and local trains services have been affected due to the high-alert. Airports around Tokyo are operating normally, reported The Times of India. Authorities have ruled out the tsunami travelling out wide to other countries in the Pacific.

No deaths have been reported though five people have been reported to be injured. In 2011, a 9.0 magnitude quake led to a powerful tsunami, which caused 15,000 deaths with more than 3,200 people reported missing. The quake also triggered a meltdown of nuclear fuel rods at the nuclear plant in Fukushima - resulting in radiation leaks and large-scale evacuations.

This time, there is no such threat. More so, as Japan has shut down 48 of its 50 nuclear power plants for re-assessment and repair.