Video | 7.1 quake hits Japan, nuclear plants currently unaffected

A tsunami alert has been launched for north-eastern Japan, after a 7.1 magnitude quake hit the already-devastated nation, prompting evacuations of Japanese workers and residents alike.

7 April 2011, 12:00am

1 min read

The tsunami is predicted to have a wave 2m (6ft) high. Those in the warning zone should move to high ground, Japanese TV said.

However, there has been no detectable effect at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant damaged in last month's quake and tsunami, nor at two other nuclear plants in the area, officials say.

Thursday's quake was 118km (78 miles) north of Fukushima, 40km offshore. The quake comes hot in the heels of a previously devastating quake the repercussions of which are still being felt today, as the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is still in relatively critical condition.

The quake was initially reported to have a magnitude of 7.4 but has now been revised downwards to 7.1, according to the US Geological Survey.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), which operates Fukushima, says it is checking on the situation at the damaged plant following the latest earthquake.

The quake was strong enough to shake buildings in Tokyo, the BBC reports.