Strong quake strikes northeastern Japan

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the tremor occurred at around 4:53 pm off the Sanriku Pacific coastal area of northeastern Japan, with upper 5 seismic intensity observed in the town of Hashikami in Aomori Prefecture.

The quake had an estimated magnitude of 7.4 and occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometers.

A tsunami warning was issued for Iwate Prefecture, the Pacific coast of Aomori Prefecture and the central area of the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, northernmost Japan.

Speaking to reporters at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents in areas where tsunami warnings and advisories have been issued to evacuate to higher, safer areas.