Tsunami alert issued in Japan after 6.5 magnitude earthquake

Japan issued a tsunami alert after an earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale hit Niigata and Yamagata on the west coast of Japan's largest island Honushu. 

The Twitter handle of the Japan Meteorological Agency tweeted:

"The tsunami has been caused by an earthquake off Yamagata Prefecture, which occurred around 22:22 pm today. It is dangerous in the sea and near the coast. People who are at sea immediately need to head back as a marine threat is present. The flow of the tide is fast, please do not enter the sea or approach the coast until the warning is released." it said.

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The quake may result in a tsunami as high as 1m, as per local media.

In addition, a power fluctuation was reported. The Tohoku Power Company reported a power cut in about 5000 households in Yamagata Prefectures, while 3200 additional households were without power in the Niigata region. Footage showed surveillance cameras on buildings in Niigata and Yamagata prefectures shaking as the earthquake struck on Tuesday night. In addition, an evacuation order had been issued for Niigata city residents near the coast, telling them to move to higher ground. Also, a man was reported to be injured after he fell over during the tremor. 

The Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. said that no irregularities were said to be found at all seven nuclear reactors in Kashiwazaki Kariwa Nuclear Plant. However, the reactors have been shut down due to emergency precautions. 

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Meanwhile, the East Japan Railway Company said that it has suspended the operations of Joetsu and Tohoku Shinkansen railway lines. Bullet train services were also immediately shut down. A task force has been set up to tackle the situation. The epicentre of the earthquake was located at around 10 kilometres below the ground. Apart from an increase in water levels, no damages or incidents have been reported.

(With ANI inputs)