Terrifying visuals are coming out of Japan after a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthqauke hit the island nation triggering a tsunami warning similar to the one sounded after the March 2011 quake in the Tohoku region. Tremors from the quake were felt in Tokyo and across Kanto area and and AP reported that Japanese officials have asked people to move to higher grounds.
Several footage of the effect of the quake were being shared on social media where cars could be seen jolting and people trying to take a shelter inside their homes.
Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that several houses and power poles collapsed in Suzu city, said the officials.
According to AFP, power supply has been cut off to around 33,500 households and several major highways around the epicentre have been closed.
As per Japan's Met office, a total of 21 earthquakes above 4.0 magnitude have hit Japan.
According to Guardian, initial reports of injuries, including broken bones, came from local hospitals but no fatalities confirmed at the time of writing this report.
Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called on residents in affected areas to evacuate immediately, Reuters reported. He arrived at his office at 5:15 pm (local time) to assess the damage and lead the government’s response, reported Guardian.
Meanwhile, a government spokesperson cautioned residents to prepare for possible further quakes.
As per the Japanese weather agency, the epicentre of the earthquake was in the Noto region, with a very shallow depth, reported Nikkei Asia. Rail service has been temporarily suspended on Tohoku, Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines due to the earthquake, it added.