Moderate quake jolts central Japan

Earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.9 jolted central Japan but there were no reports of damage.

A moderate earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.9 jolted central Japan early morning on Tuesday, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

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The quake jolted Niigate prefecture (state) and other areas in central Japan, but no tsunami warnings were issued, Kyodo News agency reported.

Kyodo said the quake, which struck about 8:17 am, was centered near Sado Island in the Sea of Japan at a depth of about 30 kilometres.

Japan sits atop four tectonic plates and is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.