UPDATE A 6.6 Richter scale quake hit East Japan / Authorities issued a tsunami alert/ Fukushima plant employees evacuated

A 7.1 Richter scale earthquake hit Eastern Japan, the US Geology Institute reports. Authorities issued a tsunami alert as experts expect 1 meter waves. The Monday quake took place exactly one month after the devastating 9.0 Richter scale quake that affected Japan on March 11th.

According to information the earthquake took place at 5:16 PM local time in the eastern part of Honshu island. The quake’s epicenter was 38 km from Iwaki and 163 km of Tokyo. It was felt in Tokyo as well. Fukushima nuclear plant employees were evacuated immediately. TEPCO, the plant’s operator said no irregularities were found after the Monday’s quake.