Japan escapes worst of magnitude 7.7 quake but experts warn of potential bigger one

Northeast Japan escaped relatively unscathed from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck off its coast on Monday, but residents have been advised to stay alert as it is too early to tell whether the tremor was the main shock or a precursor to a far larger one. Hours after the quake, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a special advisory warning of a slightly elevated risk of a temblor with a magnitude of 8 or stronger in the coming days. There was a 1 per cent chance of a megaquake...

By Julian Ryall

Explained: Why Japan Is Among The World's Most Earthquake-Prone Countries

Japan was hit by a 7.4-magnitude earthquake on Monday, Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) said, issuing a tsunami warning for waves up to three metres (10 feet).