No Tsunami Threat For CA Coast After Huge Japan Earthquake

CALIFORNIA — A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's coastline near Fukashima on Wednesday, but weather officials assured there's no concern of a tsunami hitting California.

The quake happened around 7:36 Pacific Daylight Time in a region that was previously devastated by a deadly 9.0 quake and tsunami 11 years ago that also triggered nuclear plant meltdowns, spewing massive radiation that still makes some parts uninhabitable.

Just moments after the temblor, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center tweeted moments after the quake that there was no tsunami expected for California. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles also said there was no cause for concern.

In Japan, the quake rattled large parts of eastern Japan, including Tokyo, where buildings were violently jostled. East Japan Railway Co. said most of its train services were suspended for safety checks.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said there were a number of emergency calls and local authorities were scrambling to assess damage.

“We are doing our utmost in rescue operations and putting people's lives first,” he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.