Strong earthquake shakes Tokyo area | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Monday, August 10, 2009

TOKYO (AP) Meanwhile, the U.S. Geological Survey is reporting a large 7.6 earthquake in the Indian Ocean about 160 miles (257 kilometers) north of Port Blair in India's Andaman Islands. A tsunami watch is in place for India, Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand and Bangladesh. The USGS cautions that it is not known if such a tsunami has occurred.

The Andaman Islands quake was reported to be 20.6 miles (33.15 kilometers) deep, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

Japan's Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning from the Japanese temblor early Tuesday, which centered off the Suruga Bay, southwest of Tokyo.

Japan's Kyodo News Agency reported that two nuclear reactors at the Hamaoka nuclear plant in Omaezaki, Shizuoka, were quickly shut down.

Central Japan Railway Co. has suspended operations of Shinkansen bullet trains, while the central government set up a task force at the prime minister's office, Kyodo reported.

The quake rattled furniture and walls in Tokyo but there have been no immediate reports of damages or casualties.

The quake occurred at a depth of 12 miles (20 kilometers). Public broadcaster NHK said a small increase of waves of some 10 inches (30 centimeters) was observed along the coastline of Yaizu City.

Local trains were temporarily halted for safety checks.