Strong 7.0-magnitude quake hits off Japan coast: USGS

The USGS put the epicentre of the shallow quake about 160 kilometres (100 miles) from the town of Makurazaki in southwest Japan, though no major damage was initially reported.

Tsunamis measuring one metre (three feet) in height were observed on several islands, public broadcaster NHK reported, citing local authorities, who were urging people in low lying areas to move away to higher ground for safety.