6.4 Magnitude Earthquake Reported

A 6.4-magnitude earthquake was reported in Japan on Sunday (November 9), according to the United States Geological Survey.

The earthquake was centered about 75 miles east of Yamada, at a depth of 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles). The Japanese Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the coastline of Iwate Prefecture, which is located in the northeast of Japan's Honshu island, with a potential wave of more than three feet possible in the area and a tsunami forecast, which predicted slight sea level changes, was also issued for the northeast region of the country.

A tsunami estimated to be about four inches was detected in Iwate Prefecture, Ominato port, Miyako and Kamaishi and a following tsunami was also reported to be about eight inches, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Tsunami waves that follow earthquakes are capable of continuing for several hours and growing as they repeatedly hit the coastline.

Residents were warned to avoid the ocean and coastal areas while the advisory was in place as more shaking is possible for the area. The tsunami advisory was lifted about three hours after the earthquake was first reported, however, the area is considered to be at risk for the next week, specifically during the next two or three days.

Several aftershocks were reported in Yamada including a 5.4-magnitude earthquake and two 5.2-magnitude earthquakes. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage in the area following the earthquake.

Japan is among the countries most prone to earthquakes as it's located on the 'Ring of Fire' region where earthquakes commonly occur in the Pacific.