At least one dead, 69 injured in Japan after Fukushima earthquake

Watch: Fukushima earthquake

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Japan. At least one person was killed and 69 people were injured. The epicenter was located off the coast of Nami, not far from Fukushima, according to the USGS. The authorities immediately issued a warning of tsunami waves that may reach a height of one meter. However, only a small tsunami of twenty centimeters in height has been recorded so far. Japanese experts have warned that the risk of severe aftershocks in the coming days is high.

The quake was felt as far as Tokyo, 275 km away. Parts of the capital were kept in the dark for an hour due to a power outage. More than 2 million families are affected. Some fires have also been reported in the area, but no major damage has been reported so far. Japan’s industry minister told local media that no irregularities were found at the former Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

People mainly suffered minor injuries from falling objects or falls. The Tokyo Shimbun reported that many people, especially in the coastal town of Soma, had to go to hospital for treatment. The Shinkansen Express derailed, without serious consequences for nearly 100 passengers.

Last Friday, the country held a silent commemoration of the nuclear disaster in the region in 2011. The strong 9.0 earthquake and the ensuing tsunami caused meltdowns at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. The disaster claimed the lives of more than 15,000 people. About 38,000 people are still waiting to return to their old homes.