A magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit northeast Japan on March 16, Wednesday at 23:36 local time with a depth of 57 to 60 kilometers. Japanese officials stated the quake struck Fukushima, but “no abnormalities” were detected this time. The earthquake was too strong in some regions for people to stand while buildings in Tokyo rattled. Electricity was momentarily interrupted in more than 2.2 million homes in 14 prefectures, including the Tokyo area. Power had been restored to most regions by mid-morning, according to the local electricity supplier. A bullet train north of Fukushima city derailed, although it was not running fast and no passengers were injured. However, 78 people, both passengers and staff, were stranded on board for four hours before being able to escape.

Authorities in Fukushima, Miyagi, and Yamagata prefectures warned of possible aftershocks. Japan’s meteorological service issued a one-meter (3.3-foot) tsunami warning for areas of the north-east coast shortly after the incident, but it was lifted on Thursday morning after waves only one-third of that height reached shore. Japan’s prime minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that the government was still assessing the extent of any damage and that emergency services had been inundated with calls. The Meteorological Agency warned the public on Thursday to be alert for more earthquake activity in the coming days. An official from the agency, Masaki Nakamura, also warned residents to be vigilant about the potential of mudslides.