northern coast

Earlier tsunami warnings for Japan have now been downgraded after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the country's north-east coast An  eyewitness  said as soon as the alert went off, everyone ran in Hokkaido. So far, nuclear plants in the area appear to be operating as normal. After a 9.0 magnitude earthquake killed thousands in 2011, the government now urges people to seek higher ground as soon as possible. BBC