Japan earthquake LIVE as tsunami warning issued and thousands evacuated

A 7.5 magnitude earthquake was recorded on Monday -

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake has hit Japan, sparking a tsunami warning and evacuations in some parts of the country.

The quake has been detected off coast of Aomori Prefecture on Thursday, December 11, with 'sea level fluctuations' detected. The Japan Meteorological Agency issues tsunami warning for central Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Pacific coast of Aomori, Iwate, and Miyagi Prefectures.

It comes after Japan issued a megaquake warning amid fears up to 200,000 people could die earlier this week, following on from a 7.5 magnitude earthquake recorded on Monday.

This is an ongoing event and you can follow the latest updates in our live blog down below.

05:33Peter Hennessy

Damage and injuries 'not immediately clear'

Damage and injuries after the quake are not immediately clear, according to PA.

An advisory is a lower level of caution than a warning. Friday’s quake followed a 7.5 magnitude earthquake earlier this week in the north that caused injuries, light damage and a tsunami in Pacific coastal communities.

04:16KEY EVENT

What we know so far:

• A magnitude 6.7 earthquake has hit Japan at 11.44am local time
• The epicentre of the quake is thought to be in Aomori Prefecture, off the coast of Japan
• 6,138 people have been issued evacuation notices after the incident - with a tsunami warning issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
• Tsunami waves of one metre are feared to hit Japan as a result of the quake
• It comes just days after another earthquake in Japan on Monday

03:50Peter Hennessy

Tsunami waves detected across several areas of Japan

Tsunami waves of 0.2 meters have impacted several areas of Aomori Prefecture and Hokkaido coast in Japan, according to reports.

An evacuation order has been issued for 2,835 residences, totaling 6,138 people in Ofunato, Iwate, Japan.

03:33Peter Hennessy

Prime Minister's warning earlier this week

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a warning earlier this week the people of her nation to be prepared, no matter where they live, and be ready to evacuate as soon as any tremors are felt.

"Due to this earthquake, the likelihood of a large earthquake occurring from Hokkaido to the Sanriku offshore region is now assessed to be higher than normal. Accordingly, the 'Off the Coast of Hokkaido and Sanriku Subsequent Earthquake Advisory' has been issued." she said on Tuesday.

"Regardless of whether your area was affected by this earthquake, residents in regions where disaster-preparedness measures are advised should, over the next week or so, pay close attention to information from the Japan Meteorological Agency and local authorities," she said.

"In addition to routinely confirming earthquake preparedness - such as identifying safe evacuation sites and routes and securing furniture - please stay prepared to evacuate immediately if you feel any shaking."

03:30Peter Hennessy

'No abnormalities detected at local power plants'

No abnormalities have been detected at the Higashidori or Onagawa nuclear power plants following the earthquake.

The earthquake caused "sea level fluctuations" - but there is no concern for damage, according to reports.

No tsunami is expected for the western coasts of the US and Canada.

03:28KEY EVENT

Tsunami wave of up to one metre to reach coast

A tsunami wave, up to one metre high, is expected to reach Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures in Japan.

Thousands of people have been evacuated as a result of the earthquake.

03:25Peter Hennessy

Thousands issued evacuation warning

The earthquake and tsunami warning has prompted an evacuation order to be issued for 2,835 residences, totaling 6,138 people in Ofunato, Iwate, Japan.