Earthquake off Japan triggers tsunami alert
A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.1 off north-eastern Japan has triggered a tsunami warning, reports say.
Japan's meteorological agency issued a warning for the Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, devastated by a huge quake and tsunami four months ago.
The Fukushima nuclear plant is being evacuated as a precaution, NHK TV reports.
More than 14,000 people died as a result of the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami on 11 March.
Meteorologists warned of a possible tsunami of around 50cm (20in). But NHK reported an actual height of just 10cm (4in) for the surge.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, according to NHK.
And Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), which operates the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, said first reports indicated no fresh problems there.
However, workers were ordered to head for higher ground, as were residents in coastal areas.
The quake hit at 0957 local time (0057 GMT).
The US Geological Survey estimated the depth at 10km (6.2 miles), with the epicentre in the same general area as the March quake.
Airports in the area are reported to be functioning normally.
Japan is one of the world's most seismically active countries. Dozens of strong aftershocks have been felt since the disaster in March, which was the strongest in recorded Japanese history.
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