An earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale jolted off the east coast of Honshu, Japan at 18:09 p.m. ( 0908 GMT) on Wednesday, the Japan Meterological Agency said.

The epicenter, with a depth of 10.00 km, was initially determined to be at 40.7000 degrees north latitude and 145.2000 degrees east longitude.

According to the agency, tsunami warnings or advisories are currently in effect. Tsunami measuring 50 centimeters high is expected to reach coastal areas of such prefectures as northeastern Aomori and Iwate around 6: 40 p.m.

Local residents in some coastal areas of Aomori and Iwate prefectures were asked to evacuate following the tsunami warning, which was later lifted at 7:40 p.m. Hachinohe in Aomori prefecture saw the highest tsunami of 20 centimeters come.

There is no immediate reports of damage and casualties from the quake so far.

 VietNamNet/Xinhuanet