A powerful earthquake struck northern Japan on Monday, injuring at least six people, two of them seriously, authorities said. However, no major damage to infrastructure was reported.

The quake struck in the Pacific Ocean near Iwate prefecture on the island of Honshu, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The agency reported a magnitude of 7.7, while the United States Geological Survey estimated it at 7.4.

A tsunami warning was issued immediately after the earthquake, with waves of up to three meters possible. A wave of up to 80 centimeters was recorded at the port of Kuji, while smaller waves hit other areas of northern Japan. The tsunami warning was later lifted.

Authorities issued non-mandatory evacuation orders for more than 182,000 residents in affected areas. Meanwhile, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed that there were no fires or serious infrastructure damage.

 

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