Tsunami alerts lifted for Japan after 7.3 magnitude earthquake

Japan was hit by a 7.3 magnitude earthquake on Friday with fear being widespread over tsunami warnings

13:33 07 December 2012

Tsunami alerts that were issued in Japan on Friday have now been lifted. The warnings were put in place following a 7.3 magnitude earthquake that hit the country at 5.18pm local time.

Following the quake, a tsunami, that is believed to have been at least a metre high (three feet), fell upon Ishinomaki in the Ayukawa district. It was recorded at 6.02pm local time. At time of press there have been no reports of injuries.

Other tsunami warnings were thought to have been issued for Miyagi Prefecture, with TV and radio announcements instructing citizens to head for higher ground.

As a result of the recent natural events, many rail services across north-eastern Japan were delayed over fears for people’s safety.

There are also reports that flights were affected on Friday, with routes being altered so that some destinations were changed to different airports from what was planned.

North-east Japan suffered from a massive earthquake last year in March, which measured a magnitude of 9.