Tsunami warning issued as powerful quake hits Japan

US geological survey says the 7.1 magnitude onshore quake hit with a depth of just 10 kilometres.

TOKYO: A tsunami warning was issued for eastern Japan after a powerful quake hit the country with an epicentre close to the nuclear plant crippled by a huge tsunami a month ago.

The US geological survey said the 7.1 magnitude onshore quake hit with a depth of just 10 kilometres, its epicentre 86 kilometres south-southeast of Fukushima city.

Japan's meteorological agency issued a tsunami warning saying a three feet wave could hit Ibaraki prefecture, the area worst hit by last month's massive tsunami.

A wave half a metre high was expected in Fukushima prefecture.

Narita airport temporarily closed a runway following the quake for safety checks.