M6.9 earthquake strikes near Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan

A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake has struck 35 kilometres from the coast of Tomioka, Japan, close to the Fukushima nuclear power plant where a massive clean-up operation is still going on.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake had a depth of around 11.3 kilometres and travelled a minimum distance of 75.8 kilometres.

The USGS had initially placed the magnitude of the earthquake at 7.3, but later downgraded it to 6.9.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has said that no major tsunami warnings are currently in effect, although slight-sea level changes may be observed in coastal regions.

It is too early to assess the full extent of the damage.