Strong quake sways buildings in Tokyo

TOKYO — (UPDATE) A strong 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit Japan on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said, with the force strong enough to sway buildings in Tokyo.

The quake struck in the Pacific off Chiba prefecture -- 96 kilometers (60 miles) east of the capital -- and was felt across large areas of eastern Japan, the USGS said.

There were no reports of injuries or damage following the tremor, which struck at a shallow depth of 25 km at 12:52 pm (0352 GMT), police and local government officials said.

No tsunami warning was issued but the Japan meteorological agency warned of a possible change in sea levels.

A series of major quakes have jolted the country since a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami devastated northern Japan on Friday, leaving more than 11,000 people dead or missing. (report from Agence France-Presse)