6.8-magnitude quake rattles Japan; Tsunami warning issued

TOKYO - A 6.8-magnitude earthquake had hit the south-western Japanese island of Miyako Monday morning but no injuries or casualties have been reported so far. A tsunami warning was issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency that was lifted some 30 minutes after the quake hit the islands. And now as fresh news comes in, A strong earthquake struck off Japan’s Southwestern Ryukyu Islands just moments before. The magintude as recorded by USGS is 6.4

The quake’s epicentre was located at 10 km below sea level off the nearby Ishigaki island, according to the agency.

Meanwhile, an emergency task force has been set up to coordinate the government’s response to the earthquakes at the prime minister’s office.

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, and it was hit by a series of tremors last week.

Update

Now as the absolutely latest info comes up (16:38 PM IST), the tsunami warning has been canceled.

Tsunami Warning/Advisory

Issued at 19:59 JST 17 Aug 2009

****************Text*******************
Canceled;
Tsunami Advisory
MIYAKOJIMA AND YAEYAMA AREA

*******Tsunami forecast now in effect********
All tsunami warnings and advisories have been cancelled.