Strong earthquake hits Japan and triggers tsunami

A major 7.1 -magnitude earthquake struck off the Japan's northeastern coast on Sunday and the quake has triggered a small tsunami which has reached the Pacific coast of northern Japan.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a 10-centimetre tsunami was seen in the port town of Ofunato, Iwate prefecture, at 10:44 am (0144 GMT) on Sunday.

Residents in the quake-hit coastal areas were warned to evacuate. But there are no immediate reports of death and injuries from the quake, according to NHK.

Japan's officials said the Sunday's earthquake did not affect the Fukushima plant.

The quake prompted a tsunami warning saying a small tsunami of up to 50 centimeters may hit the area, including Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima, still recovering from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

The 7.1 -magnitude quake jolted Japan at 00:57:12 UTC, with the depth of 10 km, and 409 km away from the North East of Tokyo.

A massive 9.0-magnitude earthquake and an ensuing tsunami struck Japan's northeast coastline on March 11, leaving about 23,000 people dead or missing and crippling one of Fukushima's nuclear facilities.

READ: Japan Earthquake Today Hits Eastern Coast, Tsunami Warning Issued