ANKARA

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's northeastern coast on Friday, the US Geological Survey said, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami advisory, which was later canceled.

The earthquake at around 0244GMT was measured at a depth of 16 kilometers (9.94 miles) off the coast of Hachinohe city in Aomori prefecture.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the northern and northeastern parts of the country, and predicted waves of up to 1 meter (3.2 feet) in the affected regions.

Later, however, the weather service lifted its tsunami advisory for northern Japan's Pacific coast.

Earlier, authorities had also issued evacuation orders in several cities and asked people to move to safe places.

No abnormalities were reported by nuclear plants in the affected region, and there were no immediate reports of damage.

The latest quake hit the region after authorities earlier warned of strong tremors this week.