A powerful earthquake has struck in the Pacific Ocean, about
80km (50 miles) off the southern Japanese island of Okinawa. A
tsunami warning was initially issued, but later lifted. There
are no reports of major damage or casualties. The Japan
Meteorological Agency gave the strength as 6.9 while the US
Geological Survey put it at 7.3. Japan is often hit by
earthquakes. In 1995, a magnitude-7.2 quake in the port city of
Kobe killed 6,400 people. The latest tremor occurred at 0531 on
Saturday (2031 GMT on Friday). BBC News website reader Ivan
Brackin, who lives on Yoron Island, said it was the biggest
quake he had felt in his 40 years in Japan but there had been no
visible effects in his area. "We're 30 yards [metres] from the
sea and no sign of a tsunami," he said. "I woke up to violent
shudders that lasted about six seconds then a pause followed by
a couple of sharp jumps. Jumpers are the most dangerous so that
sent me under the desk." Are you in the area? Have you been
affected by the earthquake? Send your com