A significant 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Japan late Monday, leading to evacuation orders for approximately 90,000 residents and prompting tsunami warnings that were later revised to advisories. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) initially warned that waves as high as 3 meters (10 feet) could impact Japan’s northeastern coast shortly after the earthquake occurred at 11:15 p.m. local time (1415 GMT).
Warnings were issued for the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate, where waves measuring between 20 to 70 centimeters (7 to 27 inches) were reported at various ports. However, in the early hours of Tuesday, the JMA downgraded the threats to advisories, indicating a reduced risk of significant flooding.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) offshore from Aomori prefecture, with a depth of 54 kilometers. In Hachinohe city, the tremor registered as an “upper 6” on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, suggesting that maintaining a standing position was nearly impossible, and many buildings experienced damage, including heavy furniture collapsing and tiles loosening.
As of Tuesday afternoon, reports from the public broadcaster NHK indicated no major damage or casualties. However, it did note that several individuals were hospitalized with injuries, all of whom were reported to be conscious. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that there have been seven injuries reported.
In response to the earthquake, East Japan Railway suspended some services in the affected area, which still carries the memory of the devastating 9.0-magnitude quake in March 2011. While the situation remains serious, the swift response from authorities and the relatively minor injury count offers hope for a quick recovery for the affected communities.
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