BREAKING: 7.4 Earthquake Hits Near Fukushima, 10-ft Tsunami and Evacuation Warnings Issued, Plant Cooling System Failed

A powerful earthquake, now revised to 7.4 by Japan’s Meteorological Agency up from 7.3 magnitude when first reported, has struck off the coast of Fukushima, Japan.

Tsunami warnings were immediately issued.

“Please evacuate to high ground…the tsunami could come at any moment,” says @nhk_news announcer. #Fukushima #Japan #quake pic.twitter.com/SulxGcIz57

— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) November 21, 2016

Shortly thereafter, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) which runs the crippled Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant reported that the cooling system in the Reactor 3 spent fuel pool stopped working and the temperature rise in the pool was described as “gradual”.

RT reported:

The exact cause of the cooling system stoppage is currently unknown. However, the system might have been “shaken” during the earthquake, according to nuclear agency officials, as reported by NHK. No cooling water leaks or any other “abnormalities” have been reported.

Reports out just an hour ago predict an approximately 10-foot (three-meter) high tsunami wave to hit Fukushima.

#Tsunami of 3 meters forecast to hit Fukushima. 1 meter tsunami predicted for Iwate, Miyagi, Ibaraki and Chiba coasts. #JapanQuake pic.twitter.com/TqshUEgzkn

— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) November 21, 2016

At least five aftershocks have been reported in the area, all between 4.4 and 5.4 magnitude.

We will update this story when more information becomes available.