TOKYO – Japan experienced a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake late Monday night, jolting the northeastern region and triggering tsunami warnings across multiple coastal prefectures. Authorities, however, lifted all warnings early Tuesday after measuring only minor waves, bringing temporary relief to residents still on edge.
- The tremor struck at around 11:15 p.m. local time, with its epicentre located approximately 80 kilometres off the coast of Aomori prefecture at a depth of 54 km. Cities including Hachinohe felt the quake intensely, registering “upper 6” on Japan’s 1–7 seismic intensity scale — strong enough to make standing difficult, shake furniture violently, and cause objects to topple.
- Immediately after the quake, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued tsunami warnings for coastal areas including Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate, predicting waves of up to 3 metres. As actual wave heights remained low, between 20 cm and 70 cm, the warnings were first downgraded to advisories and later fully lifted.
- The earthquake caused injuries to at least 30 people, mainly due to falling objects and minor structural damage. Thousands of homes experienced temporary power outages, and rail services in the affected regions were briefly suspended. Thankfully, no critical damage was reported at nuclear facilities or major infrastructure, averting a potential disaster.
- Officials continue to warn residents about the possibility of aftershocks, which could be strong, urging them to stay vigilant, maintain emergency supplies, and remain prepared for rapid evacuation if necessary. Coastal communities have been advised to follow official instructions closely, as northern Japan remains highly seismically active.
The incident is a stark reminder of Japan’s vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and tsunamis. The country’s robust early-warning systems and public awareness measures once again played a crucial role in minimizing casualties and damage, though the psychological impact on residents remains significant.
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