Strong earthquake hits off southern Japan

A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.4 has struck in the Pacific Ocean off southern Japan. Japan's Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami warning from the quake, which occurred about 130 kilometers (80.6 miles) off the southern coast of Chichi Island in the Pacific Ocean.

The offshore quake struck at around 2:20 am (1720 GMT) at the depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). There was no immediate report of any damage or injuries. (AP)