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Breaking News: Major Earthquake Strikes Japan
Severe Tremors Cause Widespread Damage and Injuries
Authorities Issue Evacuations and Send Aid
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9 struck the Tohoku region of Japan at 2:46 p.m. local time (11:46 p.m. UTC), triggering widespread damage and causing injuries. The epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles) off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture, near the city of Sendai.
The earthquake was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks, including one with a magnitude of 7.4. The tremors caused buildings to collapse, roads to buckle, and power lines to snap. In the city of Sendai, the earthquake caused a major fire that engulfed several buildings.
Japanese authorities have issued evacuation orders for coastal areas, warning of a possible tsunami. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami warning for the entire Pacific coast of Japan, including the prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Hokkaido.
Rescue teams have been dispatched to the affected areas to search for survivors and provide medical assistance. The Japanese government has also mobilized its Self-Defense Forces to assist in the recovery efforts.
The full extent of the damage and injuries caused by the earthquake is still being assessed, but it is expected that the death toll will be significant. The Japanese government has declared a state of emergency and has requested international assistance.