6.9 magnitude quake strikes near Japanese island

By Matthew DeLuca, Staff Writer, NBC News

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 struck near the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

There were no early reports of casualties or damage. There was no tsunami warning following the quake.

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the magnitude of the quake at 6.4.

Japanese media said police had received no reports of damage shortly after the quake. A nuclear power plant in northern Japan reported no problems after the quake, according to local Japanese media.

The epicenter of the quake was reportedly about 38 miles south east from the town of Obihiro.

The island is about 500 miles north of Tokyo.

This is a developing story.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/02/16818662-69-magnitude-quake-strikes-near-japanese-island?lite

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