The most powerful earthquake anywhere in the world this year has hit northern parts of Japan, causing around 50,000 to evacuate their homes.
The quake, which according to Japan’s Central Meteorological Agency measured 8.0 on the Richter scale, was centred around 60 miles off the island of Hokkaido and was reportedly followed by aftershocks and a series of small tidal waves.
Local reports suggest nearly 250 people were injured in the quake, though the vast majority of injuries are being described as minor.
Tsunami warnings were issued for many areas around the Pacific, including the west coast of the United States, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and coastal areas of east Asia, though most warnings have now been withdrawn or downgraded.
