Japan Hit by 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake, Tsunami Warning Issued

The world woke up to the news that Japan was hit with a 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake followed by a tsunami warning.

The 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred in Fukushima, the same place where the devastating 2011 tsunami occurred after a 9.0 quake hit. The ground shaking happened at about 5:59 am on Nov. 22. The quake could actually be an aftershock of the 2011 incident that killed 18,000 people according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Due to the early warning, thousands of residents were evacuated preventing casualties from the quake. After the 7.4 magnitude earthquake, tsunami warnings were issued. After the warning has been lifted, residents remain alert as the Japan Meteorological Agency said another big one could hit in the next few days and advised everyone to "remain cautious" as the days progressed.

There is no recorded casualty due to the earthquake but there are various effects on some companies such as the Dainie nuclear power plant whose reactor 3 fuel pump stopped working due to the quake, according to the Guardian. Some companies will be suspending work in the Fukushima area including Nissan and flights in Sendai airport have also been stopped.

The U.S. Geological Survey listed the earthquake as 7.3 magnitude but later decreased it to 6.9 magnitude, according to BBC. Although there are no fatal tsunamis being expected, JMA issued the tsunami warning because there will be a viable change in sea level. 

The tremors were felt as far as Tokyo that is located 100 miles away from Fukushima where building moved for about 30 seconds. Until today, people are heading for higher grounds since JMA released a statement saying that a big one might hit in the next few days. This means, thousands of people are being relocated, while ships are also moving away from the harbor to safeguard the sea vessels from tsunamis.