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Japan Earthquake: 7.0 Strikes Japan

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USGS

Japan was hit with a 7.0 magnitude earthquake Sunday—The strong quake reportedly struck under the sea just south of Japan.

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USGS

According to the USGS, the quake, that was later lowered to a 6.8 magnitude, struck at around 12:30 a.m. near the Izu Islands, south of Japan. The quake had a depth of around 217 miles below the sea and, struck the region 307 miles from Tokyo.

According to the Associated Press, there have been no reports of damage caused by the quake but shaking buildings in the capital was reported and trains in the area were suspended temporarily for safety checks but later resumed—Additionally, there were no abnormalities reported at power plants.

The earthquake did not generate a tsunami warning for Japan or the United States.

“A strong earthquake has occurred, but a tsunami IS NOT expected along the California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, or Alaska coast. NO tsunami warning, watch or advisory is in effect for these areas,” The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center stated in a report.

The earthquake follows a strong quake this past July and another in March that left thousands dead.

In July, a 7.0 quake struck Japan’s northeastern coast. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated a 7.0 magnitude earthquake with a depth of 10 kilometers. Japan’s Meteorological agency increased the magnitude to a 7.3 magnitude and the depth to 30 kilometers.

The earthquake caused a tsunami warning. Officials urged residents to stay away from the coast and prepare for possible dangerous waves. Japanese officials reportedly predicted the quake could generate tsunami of up to 20 inches. The tsunami warning was later lifted.

In March, one of the strongest earthquakes hit Japan and triggered a subsequent tsunami that devastated the same region and left thousands dead and missing.

Pictures of the March Earthquake & Tsunami in Japan

The massive 9.0 earthquake hit March 11 and wreaked havoc on the region including damaging Japanese nuclear plants and causing cooling system failures and radiation leaks. Thousands had to evacuate the area as plant workers battled to stop the nuclear plants from causing even more damage to the region.

The earthquake’s subsequent tsunami was felt around the world, leading to evacuations of dozens of places including the Philippines and Hawaii. The United States West Coast of Crescent City, California even felt the wrath of the tsunami hours later where dozens of boats were destroyed.

Read about the deadliest earthquakes in history