New Delhi, Dec. 8 -- A powerful earthquake, initially measured at a magnitude of 7.6, struck off the coast of Japan's northern region on Monday night, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue a tsunami warning for several northern prefectures.

The tremor occurred at approximately 11:15 PM local time, centred at a depth of 50 kilometres near the Aomori prefecture coastline.

The JMA registered the shaking intensity at an upper 6 on the Japanese seven-point scale in the city of Hachinohe, Aomori - the second-highest level, indicating severe difficulty in remaining standing or moving.

The tsunami warning was issued immediately for the coastal areas of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures, with forecasts indicating waves ...