Buildings sway as earthquake hits Japan

A strong earthquake shook north-eastern Japan today, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The quake was strong enough to cause tall buildings to sway in Tokyo.

It struck at 6:24pm (10.24am Irish time).

The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.0 and was centred 40 miles below the sea floor off the coast of Miyagi state, officials said.

Authorities at Haneda airport suspended take-offs and landings to check the condition of their runways, and bullet train services to north-eastern Japan were also stopped.

Local officials said electricity and water services were cut to some areas immediately after the quake. Major roads and railways were also closed as technicians checked for damage.

Authorities said take-offs and landings at Haneda airport had resumed.

One road buckled in the north-eastern city of Ishinomaki and a house there also caught fire, local disaster official Norio Kumagai said.

Local reports said the quake was strong enough to knock over some people in Sendai city. A fire was also reported in Sendai, but it was not clear if it was related to the earthquake.