Strong earthquake hits western Japan but no risk of tsunami
Tokyo (AP): A strong earthquake hit western Japan on Tuesday, but there was no danger of a tsunami and no major damage or life-threatening injuries were reported.
The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2, occurred in Shimane prefecture in northwestern Japan, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The agency later upgraded the quake to magnitude 6.4.
The prefectural capital of Matsue and nearby cities, including some in the neighbouring Tottori prefecture, were among the most strongly shaken.
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The epicentre was located inland at a depth of about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), the agency said, adding there was no risk of a tsunami.
JMA officials, however, cautioned residents in the region against the possibility of subsequent powerful quakes for about a week.
Local fire departments received several reports of minor injuries, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Shinkansen bullet trains were temporarily suspended or delayed in the region.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority said no abnormalities were found at the Shimame nuclear power plant and a related facility in the region.
Japan is on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, which is one of the world's most earthquake-prone areas.
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Ramzan fasts to begin in India from Thursday
New Delhi (PTI): Ramzan fasts will begin on Thursday in India as the crescent moon marking the start of the fasting month was sighted in various parts of the country on Wednesday.
After the sighting of the moon, the holy month begins and for the next 30 days, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
Shahi Imam of Chandni Chowk's Fatehpuri mosque Maulana Mufti Mukarram Ahmed announced that the crescent moon was sighted and the month of fasting will start from February 19.
Naib Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Shaban Bukhari also declared that the moon was sighted.
During this month, a special prayer called Taraweeh are offered in mosques in the evening. In this prayer, the entire Quran is recited and it continues till the sighting of the Eid moon.
Mufti Mukarram has appealed to the Muslim community to "pray as much as possible for the well-being of the 140 crore people of the country".
