A powerful quake rattled northern Japan Sunday evening, followed by several more temblors, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. A tsunami advisory was issued.
The earthquake, with an upgraded magnitude of 6.9, struck off the coast of Iwate prefecture at a depth of 16 kilometers (10 miles) below the sea surface, at 5:03 p.m. Japan time. The agency had earlier given the depth as 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, or any reports of abnormalities at the two nuclear power plants in the area.
The agency issued an advisory for a tsunami of up to 1 meter (3 feet) along the northern coastal region. The advisory remained in place more than two hours after the initial quake.
Public broadcaster NHK warned people to stay away from coastal areas because of the danger of tsunami, and warned more shaking could follow in the area. The meteorological agency told reporters the area was at risk for strong quakes for about a week, especially the next two or three days. (AP)
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