An 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Japan's northeastern Honshu Island Friday, and a six-meter tsunami warning was issued.
Japan Meteorological Agency said earlier that the quake was measured at 7.9 magnitude but the U.S. Geological Survey upgraded later the quake to magnitude 8.8.
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Video image taken from
NHK shows the area which is affected by the quake in northeast Japan, March 11,
2011. An earthquake measuring 8.6 on the Richter scale jolted off the east coast
of Japan's main Honshu island on Friday. (Xinhua)
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Numerous people reported injured and Black smoke was seen rising from building in Tokyo's Odaiba waterfront area, and Major blackout throughout Yamagata Prefecture was reported, Kyodo news agency quoted police as reporting.
Damage from tsunami reported in Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture, TV footage shows. A nuclear plant on the Pacific coast in Miyagi Prefecture has been automatically shut down Friday following the quake.
Japan has issued a six-meter tsunami warning and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said a tsunami warning was in effect for Japan, Russia, Marcus Island and the Northern Marianas.
A tsunami watch has been issued for Guam, China's Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia and U.S. state of Hawaii.
VietNamNet/Xinhuanet
