A major earthquake struck northern Japan near the Fukushima nuclear plant, triggering small tsunami waves and evacuations around 4 p.m. Eastern Monday (6 a.m. Tuesday in Japan).
The United States Geological Survey measured the quake at 6.9 magnitude, while the Japan Meteorological Agency put it at 7.4.
The tsunami warnings initially predicted waves as tall as 10 feet. People by the coast were urged to evacuate immediately. Early tsunami reports indicated water was rushing out of the harbor at Iwaki City, and the waves were about three feet tall. However, Japanese media are warning that the waves can grow larger as they continue to strike the coast.
“Please understand that this is a very serious situation and evacuate to higher ground,” stated warnings on Japan public broadcaster NHK. “If you are caught in the tsunami wave, you may be washed away.”...