5.3-magnitude quake strikes off Japan's Fukushima

Tokyo, May 19 (IANS) An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck off Japan's Fukushima prefecture on Tuesday, the weather agency here said.According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the temblor was centred offshore, with its epicentre at a latitude of 37.5 degrees north and a longitude of 141.5 degrees east, and at depth of 50 km, reports Xinhua news agency.The weather agency has not issued a tsunami warning or advisory as a result of the offshore quake.There have been no immediate reports of major damage or injuries as a result of the quake.Japan's nuclear watchdog has not, as yet, issued any warning about irregularities or abnormalities at the stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Fukushima, or the Onagawa nuclear power plant in the neighbouring Miyagi prefecture.
--IANS ksk/