Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government is closely monitoring the damage after a 7.6 magnitude quake shook northeast region of the country late on Monday (December 8).

Tsunami warnings were issued for the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate, and tsunamis from 20 to 50 cm (7 to 18 inches) high were observed at several ports, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.

Takaichi said a response team has been established to assess the damage and assist evacuation.

The epi-centre of the quake was 80 km (50 miles) off the coast of Aomori prefecture, at a depth of 50 km (30 miles), the agency added.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

1. (SOUNDBITE)(Japanese) JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER, SANAE TAKAICHI, WALKING TO MICROPHONE AND SAYING:

“At 23:16 today (2:16 p.m. GMT), an earthquake measuring 6+ on the Japanese seismic intensity scale occurred off the coast of Aomori Prefecture. The Government established a response room at the Prime Minister's Office at 23:16. I immediately instructed that timely and accurate information regarding tsunamis and evacuation be provided to the public, that measures to prevent damage, such as evacuation of residents, be fully implemented, that the extent of damage be ascertained as swiftly as possible, and that, working closely with local authorities and under the principle of putting human life first, the entire government must devote its full efforts to emergency disaster response measures, including the rescue and relief of victims. Further details will be given shortly. Excuse me.” / TAKAICHI WALKING AWAY