Japan’s Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures were struck by an earthquake of 7.4 magnitude on November 22.

The quake struck at about 06:00 local time (21:00 GMT Monday), the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Residents were told to seek higher ground immediately, with warnings of waves of up to 3m. There were reports of minor injuries and damage.

An earthquake and tsunami struck the same area in 2011 killing more than 18,000 people.

That quake, one of the most powerful ever recorded, also caused a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, where a massive clean-up operation is still going on.

Officials have said there is no sign of damage to the plant this time.