Major earthquake strikes off Japan, tsunami warning issued (Update)

February 27th, 2010 - 4:02 am ICT by BNO News  

TOKYO (BNO NEWS) — A major earthquake struck off Japan’s Ryukyu Islands on Saturday, seismologists said, sparking a local tsunami warning.

The earthquake, which had a preliminary magnitude of 6.9, was centered about 53 miles east of Naha on the Okinawa Island, which is part of the Ryukyu Islands, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. it struck at a depth of 6 miles, making it a shallow earthquake.

The United States Geological Survey had a 7.0-magnitude for the earthquake.

A tsunami warning has been issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency for Okinawa Islands. “Evacuate from the seashore immediately to the safe places near the above coasts,” a warning read.

It said tsunami waves up to two meters are expected.

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