Strong earthquake in Japan, tsunami warning issued

Japan was shaken by a strong earthquake.

A 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Aomori, Japan. The earthquake was felt at around 11:15 pm local time on Monday (December 8). Tsunami warnings have been issued for coastal areas of Aomori, Iwate and Hokkaido after the earthquake. The Japan Times reported.

Japanese media reported that tsunami waves of up to 3 meters high were expected in many areas. Residents in these areas have been ordered to evacuate to higher ground. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that an upper-6 intensity on the Japanese seismic intensity scale was recorded in Hachinohe city, Aomori.

According to JMA data, the earthquake had a depth of about 50 kilometers and its magnitude was estimated at 7.6.

East Japan Railways has suspended train services on several routes after the earthquake. In March 2011, a magnitude 9 earthquake severely damaged the country's railway system.

Japan is located on the Pacific Ocean's 'Ring of Fire', where the Eurasian, Philippine and Pacific tectonic plates meet. That is, Japan is located on three tectonic plates. It is said to be the most geologically active region on earth. Due to this geological instability, about 1,500 earthquakes occur in Japan every year, and tsunami warnings are also issued at various times.