A powerful earthquake has struck northeastern Japan, prompting a brief tsunami warning in the region.
NHK Television Japan (English translation)
The quake, which hit at 11.32 pm local time (3.32pm Irish), was initially measured at 7.4 by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The US Geological Survey later revised the magnitude down to 7.1.
It struck 66km east of Sendai at a shallow depth of 49km.
The tsunami warning was issued across area that was badly hit by the 11 March earthquake and tsunami, which left 28,000 people dead or missing. The warning has since been lifted.
Japan's NHK public television said those in areas where the tsunami warnings were issued should move to higher ground.
Large parts of northern Japan are reportedly without electricity since the latest tremor struck..
Tokyo Electric has confirmed it is checking the situation at the Fukushima nuclear plant.
'After the earthquake and the tsunami warning, all the workers evacuated to a safe area. The company confirmed all the workers have cleared the plant safely,' a spokesman for Tokyo Electric Power said.
'We don't know if there is any impact to the facilities as all the workers have cleared the area.'
