Moderate quake rattles Japan

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A moderate earthquake hit northeast Japan on Monday, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The Japanese Meteorological Agency said the quake had a magnitude of 5.9 and was centered 25 miles deep under the sea off the coast of Fukushima, a prefecture around 149 miles northeast of the capital, Tokyo.

Television pictures showed shaking streetlights but Japanese media said no injuries had been reported in the area and the agency said there was no tsunami risk.

On a Japanese scale that measures the effect, the agency said the earthquake measured four out of seven -- a level of shaking that may frighten people and cause hanging objects to swing but is unlikely to result in major damage.

The U.S. Geological Survey put the quake at magnitude 6.2.

More from msnbc.com Chinese city goes from riots to a beauty contest Some 911 centers can’t keep tabs on cell phones  Why we -- and everyone else -- missed the bust  Top secret: The CIA wants to hire you Recession makes it easier to catch scammers

MORE FROM ASIA-PACIFIC

Asia-Pacific Section Front

Analysts cast doubt on North Korean report Chinese police kill 2 protesters Most Muslim nations silent on China riots Japan's ruling party could lose power China city goes from riots to a beauty contest Miners rescued after 25 days underground Asia-Pacific Section Front   Add Asia-Pacific headlines to your news reader: