Algerian Radio
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan on Monday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), which issued a tsunami warning for waves potentially reaching up to three meters.
The earthquake occurred at 4:53 PM (07:53 GMT) in Pacific waters off the northern coast of Iwate Prefecture.
The tremors were so violent that large buildings shook as far away as Tokyo, several hundred kilometers distant, according to local media reports.
The first tsunami waves could reach the northern coastline immediately, the JMA indicated, warning that damage from the waves is to be expected.
"Immediately evacuate coastal and riverbank areas to a safer location, such as high ground or an evacuation building. Tsunami waves are expected to strike repeatedly. Do not leave safe locations until the warning is lifted," the agency stated, as NHK television immediately interrupted its programming.
The country remains traumatized by the 9.0-magnitude earthquake in March 2011, which triggered a tsunami that left approximately 18,500 people dead or missing.
Japan is located at the junction of four major tectonic plates on the western edge of the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and is among the most seismically active countries in the world.
The archipelago experiences about 1,500 tremors every year, the majority of which are minor.
