TOKYO: A strong earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck off the northeast coast of Japan. A tsunami warning has also been issued. The epicentre was 80 kilometres off the coast of Aomori at 11:15 p.m. local time last night. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that tsunami waves of up to 10 feet could reach Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate prefectures.

People in coastal areas were advised to evacuate immediately. Following the earthquake, tsunami waves of up to 40 centimetres were reported in Mutsu Ogawara (Aomori) and Urakawa (Hokkaido). Further tremors are possible in the region.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government will do everything possible to keep the citizens' lives above all.

Meanwhile, train service was disrupted in certain parts of the country foll

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