Earthquake hits northern Japanese island, but no damage reported

TOKYO (AFP) Dec 12, 2003
An earthquake registering 4.9 on the Richter scale hit the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido on Friday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

The focus of the quake, which occurred at 10:46 am (0146 GMT), was located 800 kilometers (495 miles) northeast of Tokyo and 70 kilometers (43 miles) underground near Tokachi, central Hokkaido, the agency said.

No tsunami (tidal wave) warning was issued.

TERRA.WIRE