TOKYO: An earthquake of magnitude 6.6 on the Richter scale has hit Japan. The earthquake was felt near Torishima at a depth of ten kilometres in the Izu chain area around 11 a.m. today.

Following the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued in the Izu chain area. But later the Meteorological Agency withdrew the warning. There are also reports of tsunami waves 1 m high in one of the Izu islands following the earthquake.

The Meteorological Center has advised those living in the coastal areas to move to higher areas. A Japan Meteorological Agency official said waves up to one meter high could be dangerous. There is a 10 to 20 per cent chance of another similar earthquake in the near future. The government has asked the people to be vigilant for a whole week.

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone places on earth. In 2011, there was an earthquake that lasted for about six minutes. It triggered a devastating tsunami and led to the meltdown and destruction of three reactors at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. According to current estimates, 19,747 people have lost their lives in the tsunami and more than 2,500 people went missing.