Tsunami warning lifted for Japan after 7.3 quake

(AP) — A strong earthquake struck this morning the same Japanese coast devastated by last year's massive quake and tsunami, generating small waves but no immediate reports of heavy damage.

Several people along the northeastern coast were reportedly injured and buildings in Tokyo and elsewhere swayed for several minutes.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.3 and struck in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Miyagi.

The epicenter was 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles beneath the seabed and 240 kilometers or 150 miles offshore.

The area was shaken by repeated, smaller aftershocks, the agency said.

After the quake, authorities issued a warning that a tsunami potentially as high as 2 meters or 2.2 yards could hit.

About two hours after the quake struck, the tsunami warning was cancelled.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center earlier said there was no risk of a widespread tsunami.

Miyagi prefectural police said there were no immediate reports of damage from Friday's quake and tsunami, although traffic was being stopped in some places to check on roads.

Japan has barely begun to rebuild from last year's magnitude 9.0 earthquake, which triggered a tsunami that swelled to 20 meters high in some areas, ravaging dozens of coastal communities in Miyagi and elsewhere.

About 19,000 people were killed and some 325,000 people remain displaced from their homes, living in barracks and other temporary quarters.

Like our new Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/gleanerjamaica

Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/JamaicaGleaner

radio@gleanerjm.com