Mar 16, 2022 - World

Magnitude 7.3 earthquake hits northern Japan, triggering tsunami alerts

Jacob Knutson

People in Sendai, Japan, on March 11. — People on a beach near Sendai, Japan, on March 11. Photo: STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake was recorded off the coast of Fukushima and Miyagi, Japan, on Wednesday, tripping tsunami alerts in the northeastern regions, according to the country's meteorological agency.

The big picture: The earthquake struck just days after the 11th anniversary of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that devastated Fukushima and triggered a nuclear crisis.

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake off the coast of Fukushima prefecture last year injured at least 120 people and caused widespread power outages.

By the numbers: The Tokyo Electric Power Company said at least 2 million of its customers were experiencing power outages after the earthquake.

The power company also said it is currently assessing the earthquake's impact on its facilities, which includes the Daini and Daiichi nuclear plants in Fukushima.
The Daiichi plant was the site of the nuclear disaster following a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that hit Fukushima on March 11, 2011.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said no tsunami threat is expected along the U.S. West Coast.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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Magnitude 7.3 earthquake hits northern Japan, triggering tsunami alerts

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