Seismic security

Japan Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Near Fukushima

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan near the Fukushima nuclear power plants that were crippled by a disastrous temblor in 2011, triggering tsunami waves along the country’s Pacific coast.

The quake, which hit just before 6 a.m. Japan time, shook buildings as far away as Tokyo. Shortly after 8 a.m., Japan public broadcaster NHK reported a wave of nearly 5 feet at Sendai port.

Other areas along the coastline reported lower tsunami levels. Tsunami alerts for Fukushima and the neighboring province of Miyagi were later downgraded to advisories.

Around five hours after the quake, the broadcaster hadn’t reported any other major damage or casualties. Regional transport networks were mostly back to normal service after some disruptions to flights and high-speed train services.

“The government will continue to gather information on any damage and closely cooperate with local authorities,” the government’s main spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, said.