A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Japan’s northeast region late Monday night, prompting tsunami warnings and urgent evacuation orders for coastal residents.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the quake occurred at 11:15pm local time and had the potential to generate tsunamis as high as three meters along parts of the northeastern coastline. Tsunami warnings were issued for the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate, and recorded waves between 20 and 50 centimeters were observed at several ports shortly after the quake.
The epicentre was located approximately 80 kilometers off the coast of Aomori prefecture at a depth of 50 kilometers, the agency confirmed.
On Japan’s seismic intensity scale, which ranges from 1 to 7, the tremor registered as an “upper 6” in Aomori. Quakes at this level make it nearly impossible to remain standing, causing major structural stress. Heavy furniture can collapse, and buildings often suffer damage to wall tiles and windowpanes.
East Japan Railway suspended select train services in the affected region, which notably endured the catastrophic 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.
Power companies reported no abnormalities at nuclear facilities operated by Tohoku Electric Power and Hokkaido Electric Power. However, Tohoku Electric confirmed that thousands of households were left without electricity following the quake.
Authorities continue to monitor aftershocks and wave levels along the northeastern coastline as residents remain on alert.
