Breaking News: Major Earthquake Strikes Japan
7.5-Magnitude Quake Triggers Tsunami Warning, Widespread Damage Reported
Tokyo - A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck off the coast of Japan on Friday, triggering a tsunami warning and causing widespread damage in the northeastern part of the country.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the epicenter of the quake was located approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of Fukushima Prefecture, at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The quake occurred at 5:30 PM local time (08:30 GMT).
The earthquake has triggered a tsunami warning for the coastal areas of Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate prefectures. The JMA has advised residents in these areas to move to higher ground immediately and evacuate to designated shelters.
The earthquake has caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in Fukushima Prefecture. Several buildings have collapsed, including a hospital in the city of Fukushima. Power outages and transportation disruptions have also been reported.
Rescue crews are currently conducting search and rescue operations in the affected areas. The government has deployed troops to assist with the relief effort.
The earthquake has come as a shock to Japan, which is prone to seismic activity. The country has a history of major earthquakes, including the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
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