A strong 7.3 magnitude earthquake shook the coast of central Japan late Wednesday night, March 16th.
The quake, struck approximately 50 miles off the coast from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, at a depth of 39 miles, generating a tsunami warning for Japans east coast, and knocking out power to an estimated 2 million. Preliminary information from Japan’s nuclear regulator indicates no abnormalities at the Fukushima nuclear plant.
Shortly after the 7.3 was recorded, it was followed by strong 6.5 and 5.5 aftershocks and several smaller aftershocks in the 4.0 range.
Early reports indicate that 4 people have been killed, and over 100 people have been reported injured, with several areas with structural damage including the derailment of a high-speed rail-line train.
Tsunami warnings were issued for the east coast of Japan after the quake, however, no tsunami was issued or expected along the western seaboard.
