Strong earthquake jolts northeastern Japan

By Ahmet Furkan Mercan

A strong earthquake jolted northeastern Japan early on Monday, according to the country's the meteorological agency.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit off Aomori province at around 6.01 a.m. (2101GMT Sunday).

Its epicenter was at a depth of 50 kilometers (31 miles) off the Pacific Ocean coast of Hachinohe city, the agency said.

The tremor was reportedly felt in the nearby regions of Iwate and Hokkaido.

Authorities confirmed that there were no abnormalities detected at the Higashidori nuclear power plant located on the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori.