Japan issues warning after 7.7-magnitude quake hits north

TOKYO, April 21 ------ Japan issued a special advisory warning of an increased risk of earthquakes at magnitude 8.0 or stronger, after a powerful jolt rattled the country's north and prompted a tsunami warning.

The Japan Meteorological Agency's advisory came a few hours after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck in Pacific waters off northern Iwate prefecture at 4.53 pm (3.53 pm, Singapore time).

The jolt was so intense that it shook large buildings in the capital Tokyo, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter.

The meteorological agency said that "the likelihood of a new, huge earthquake occurring is relatively higher than during normal times".

Source: channelnewsasia.com