Powerful 7.2 quake jolts Northern Japan, no Tsunami warning issued

TOKYO, JUN 25 (AP): A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan’s northern coast during Thursday morning rush hour, shaking dozens of towns across northeastern regions and lightly swaying buildings in Tokyo.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said there was no tsunami threat and no reports of major damage. The quake, centred off Iwate Prefecture at a depth of about 50 km, occurred in an area that has experienced repeated seismic activity in recent months. Eight people suffered minor injuries in Aomori and Iwate prefectures, mainly from falling objects, authorities said.
In Hashikami, a school principal described her car shaking sideways as she drove to work, while some schoolchildren were left frightened but unharmed. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government was assessing the situation and urged residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks.