TOKYO, Japan- A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan on Monday, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning for waves of up to three metres.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the quake hit at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometres in the Pacific Ocean, off the Sanriku coast in northern Japan.
The agency warned that tsunami waves of up to three metres (about 10 feet) could strike coastal areas, particularly in the prefectures of Iwate, Aomori, and Hokkaido.
Evacuations and emergency response
Authorities quickly urged residents in affected coastal regions to move to higher ground, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announcing the formation of an emergency task force to coordinate response efforts.
Public broadcaster NHK showed ships leaving ports, including Hachinohe, as tsunami alerts flashed across screens, warning residents to evacuate immediately.
Thousands of people were ordered to evacuate as a precaution, with emergency services placed on high alert.
Disruptions and impact
The strong tremor disrupted transport, with bullet train services in northern regions temporarily suspended following the quake.
Authorities also began checks on infrastructure, including power facilities, though there were no immediate reports of major damage or irregularities at nuclear plants in the affected regions.
The earthquake registered an “upper 5” on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, strong enough to make movement difficult and potentially damage buildings.
A quake-prone region
Japan lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the most seismically active zones in the world, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence.
The latest quake has revived memories of the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, with warnings that aftershocks may follow and that coastal residents should remain alert.
The full extent of damage, if any, is still being assessed.
