The quake struck off Miyagi Prefecture around 6:13 a.m (photo: internet)

(VOVworld) - An earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale hit northeastern Japan on Wednesday morning. The quake, which struck off Miyagi Prefecture around 6:13 a.m, was centered about 50 kilometers below the sea floor. The quake, measuring 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale severely shook several counties and cities including Hanamaki, Tono, Ishinomaki, Ichinose, Kesennuma, Tome, Kurihara and Wakuya. There is no fear the quake will cause a tsunami but tremors from the quake were detected in areas ranging from Hokkaido in the north to Gifu Prefecture in central Japan.