Arab News Japan

TOKYO: A strong earthquake hit Fukushima prefecture north of Tokyo at around 1:19 after midnight on Tuesday, with seismic intensity of 4 observed in Furudono Town, but caused no tsunami, Japan’s Metrological agency said.

The epicenter of this quake was at Nakadori in Fukushima Prefecture, at the depth 10 km, and the preliminary magnitude of the earthquake is estimated to be 4.9.

The seismic intensity in the surrounding areas varied from 4 to 1 over a wide area in Tohoko region, including Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures.

Tokyo electric power company, TEPCO, said there is no abnormality in the nuclear reactors in the area.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued an Earthquake Early Warning saying that strong tremors were expected in Fukushima Prefecture due to this earthquake.

Local authorities including police and firefighting departments said no damage information was received as of 1:50 am. Meanwhile, the Japan Road Traffic Information Center said the highways in Fukushima Prefecture have not been affected by the earthquake so far and traffic was normal.

Eye witness told local media the surprise shaking pushed them up but calmed down fast.