Un 6,9 earthquake shook Fukushima In the early hours of Tuesday, the same area that was devastated by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that occurred in March 2011. For security reasons, the authorities activated the alert for giant waves and asked citizens to leave this and three other regions immediately.
Despite the initial alarm, fortunately there have been no casualties and no major damage.
Japanese leave the city of Iwaki after the earthquake.
Image - AP
The earthquake occurred at 05.59 local time (21.59 Spanish time). It has been located 10km deep off the coast of Fukushima, 200km from Tokyo. The United States Geological Survey (USGS, for its acronym in English), reported that it has occurred 67km northeast of the town of Iwaki, in Fukushima prefecture.
After the event, the authorities activated the tsunami alert for waves that could reach three meters in the prefectures of Fukushima, Iwate, Mygagi and Ibaraki. However, in the end the waves that were recorded did not exceed 1,4 meters in the port city of Sendai, and in other areas at risk they only reached 90 centimeters. Three hours later the alert was lowered, warning that waves of between 20 centimeters and one meter could occur, and at 12.50 local time it was deactivated.
Despite the magnitude of the earthquake, there have been no victims or significant damage. The Government spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, has assured that there is only evidence of a dozen minor injuries. But everyone's fear and concern is very great, since it has revived the magnitude 9 earthquake that occurred in 2011, causing 18.500 deaths. Residents of cities near nuclear facilities are concerned. In this regard, the operator TEPCO said that nuclear power plants have not suffered serious damage and are operating normally. Still, the authorities ask citizens to stay informed at all times, in case aftershocks are registered.
We leave you with a video recorded just at the moment the earthquake occurred: