A powerful earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale struck northeastern and northern Japan on Monday evening, prompting authorities to issue an urgent tsunami warning and evacuation advisories across several coastal regions, reported Associated Press.
Strong quake rattles northern Japan
The earthquake occurred at approximately 4:53 pm local time off the Sanriku coast, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The quake originated at a shallow depth of around 10 kilometres, intensifying its impact across affected areas. It registered an upper 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale of 7, indicating strong shaking capable of causing structural damage, reported Associated Press.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially estimated the magnitude at 7.4 before revising it upward to 7.5, confirming the strength of the seismic event, reported Associated Press.
Tsunami waves detected, higher surges feared
Following the earthquake, tsunami waves measuring about 80 centimetres were recorded at Kuji port in Iwate Prefecture. Another smaller wave of approximately 40 centimetres was also observed in the region.
Authorities warned that tsunami waves of up to 3 metres could strike coastal areas along the Pacific, particularly in Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures. Residents were urged to immediately move away from coastal zones and riverbanks and seek shelter on higher ground, reported Associated Press.
Evacuation advisories were issued in multiple towns across Iwate Prefecture as a precautionary measure.
Transport disrupted, emergency response underway
The impact of the earthquake led to disruptions in public transport, with East Japan Railway Company suspending services on the Tohoku Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori, reported Associated Press.
Emergency response teams were deployed across affected regions, and authorities continued to assess damage and monitor developments, including potential aftershocks.
No nuclear abnormalities reported
Officials confirmed that no irregularities were detected at key nuclear facilities, including the Higashidori and Onagawa plants, as well as the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear power stations. Plant operators stated that safety systems were functioning normally following the quake, reported Associated Press.
Government urges caution, warns of aftershocks
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents in affected areas to prioritise safety and evacuate to higher ground. Authorities also cautioned that earthquakes of similar intensity could occur over the next week, advising continued vigilance, reported Associated Press.
Memories of past disasters resurface
The earthquake revived memories of previous disasters in Japan, particularly the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, which resulted in over 22,000 deaths and widespread destruction. The disaster also triggered a nuclear crisis, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents, reported Associated Press.
In December last year, another earthquake of similar magnitude left dozens injured, highlighting the region’s continued seismic vulnerability.
Authorities remain on high alert as monitoring continues for tsunami activity and aftershocks.
(With inputs from Associated Press)