A tsunami warning has been issued for Japan after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Fukushima.
Residents have been urged to evacuate their homes after the 6am (9pm GMT) earthquake.
It is understood the first tsunami waves of 60cm (2ft) have already hit the coast but experts have issued warnings of waves up to three metres high.
Early readings had set the size of the quake at 7.3m, but this has since been downgraded to 6.9m.
The depth of the quake is estimated at six miles (10km) with the epicentre just off the coast of Fukushima.
There are no immediate reports of damage or injuries, but it is understood it could be felt as far away as Tokyo.
Local television pictures showed ships moving away from harbours on the north coast of Japan.
The Fukushima nuclear power plant was destroyed by a 9 magnitude earthquake in 2011 – considered to be the world’s worst nuclear crisis since Chernobyl.
Japan tsunami warning: First waves hit land after 6.9m earthquake
