Two million homes lose power as Japan is hit by powerful earthquake

Furniture and electrical appliance lie scattered at an apartment in Fukushima after the earthquake (Kyodo News via AP)

A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Fukushima in northern Japan on Wednesday evening, triggering a tsunami advisory and plunging more than two million homes in the Tokyo area into darkness.

The region is part of northern Japan that was devastated by a deadly 9.0 quake and tsunami 11 years ago that also caused nuclear plant meltdowns.