7.1-magnitude quake hits off coast of Japan's Fukushima

The M7.0 natural disaster, which was reportedly felt in Tokyo, also knocked out power in parts of Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate, and Tochigi prefectures, according to media reports. There were no immediate reports of irregularities from other nuclear plants in the area, such as Onagawa or Fukushima Dai-ni, government spokesperson Katsunobu Kato told reporters.

A magnitude 7.3 quake struck Saturday off the coast of Japan's Fukushima prefecture, which was home to one of the world's worst nuclear disasters nearly a decade ago.

The quake hit off of Fukushima just weeks before the 10-year anniversary of the March 11, 2011, quake that devastated northeastern Japan and triggered a massive tsunami that led to the world's worst nuclear crisis in a quarter of a century, one centered at the Fukushima No. 1 plant.

The Japan Times is reporting that several residents of Fukushima and Miyagi were taken to hospitals, but there have yet been no reports of any serious injuries or deaths. More than 20,000 people died or went missing in the quake and tsunami, while hundreds of thousands more lost their homes.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was called to his office, and broadcaster NHK said the government would set up a special liaison office to coordinate with affected regions. A handful of people were reported to have sought shelter at evacuation centres.

No abnormalities were detected at Japan Atomic Power Co.'s inactive Tokai No. 2 nuclear power plant in the village of Tokai, Ibaraki Prefecture, the operator said.

Images posted online showed broken glass at a shop and items spilled off the shelves at a supermarket.

Renowned author Yu Miri, who lives in Fukushima's Minamisoma city, tweeted a photo of her home, showing books, potted plants and other belongings strewn across the floor. It was not immediately clear if anyone was hurt.

Earthquakes are common in Japan, one of the world's most seismically active areas.