7.3 Quake off Japan

[Mimi]

BREAKING NEWS: 7.3 Quake off Japan; Tsunami Warnings Issued
December 7, 2012   


News reports are describing an earthquake off the east coast of Japan with a magnitude, estimated by the U.S. Geological Survey, of 7.3. The quake struck approximately 245 kms (153 miles) east-southeast of Kamaishi early this morning.

The quake, which rattled buildings in Tokyo, occurred in the same area as the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. There have also been several aftershocks.

Source

Reuters coverage

[Richard Myers]

The workers at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant had to be concerned when the warnings came of the 7.3 quake and a tsunami soon to follow. Today's quake hit close to the same area where over 16,000 people perished a year and half ago and many were irradiated when the Fukushima nuclear plant melted down. The tsunami was nothing compared to the one created by the 9.0 quake. Measurements are being reported around three feet. No deaths have been reported and few injuries so far.

When the warnings came, many in low lying areas did not stop to question how bad the tsunami would be, they immediately headed for higher ground.  source