Major 7.5-magnitude quake hits off Japan, triggers tsunami warnings

TOKYO, April 20 (Reuters) – A magnitude 7.5 earthquake ‌struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay away from coastal areas where tsunami waves of up to 3 metres (10 ft) were expected.

Two hours after the tremor, which struck at 4:52 p.m. (0752 ​GMT), tsunami waves as high as 80 cm had been detected, though warnings remained for possible bigger ​waves at the top of Japan’s main Honshu island, and the northern ⁠Hokkaido region.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage, Japan’s top government spokesperson ​Minoru Kihara told a news conference as night fell in the capital Tokyo.

Several port towns ​including Otsuchi and Kamaishi – both hard-hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011 – earlier issued evacuation orders for thousands of residents, according to public broadcaster NHK. Bullet train services were halted and some motorways were closed due ​to the tremors.

Big aftershocks may occur in the following days and weeks, an official from ​Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) said at a separate televised press conference.