Source HT
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck off the northern coast of Japan late Monday, setting off tsunami warnings and sending shudders through a broad swath of the country’s northeastern coast.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the quake occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m. local time (14:15 UTC), with its epicenter located roughly 80 kilometers (about 50 miles) off the coast of Aomori Prefecture at a depth of about 50 kilometers.
Following the temblor, the JMA issued tsunami warnings for several prefectures — Aomori, Hokkaido and Iwate Prefecture — with initial forecasts warning that waves could rise up to 3 metres (approximately 10 feet) in some areas.
Early reports confirmed that smaller tsunami waves — around 40 centimeters (about 1.3 feet) — had already hit port towns such as Urakawa in Hokkaido and Mutsu Ogawara in Aomori.
The quake was felt strongly in coastal zones, with seismic intensity reaching “upper-6” on Japan’s local Shindo scale in the city of Hachinohe, Aomori. That level of shaking is capable of damaging buildings and causing severe disruption.
In response, local authorities have suspended some rail services — including portions of the Tōhoku Shinkansen — and warned residents across affected coastal areas to evacuate immediately to higher ground.
The tremor and tsunami threat have also raised safety concerns regarding coastal infrastructure, including nuclear power plants in the region, which are undergoing precautionary checks.
As rescue, evacuation, and monitoring operations get underway, residents are being urged to stay alert for updates and follow official instructions. The full extent of damage, potential casualties, and aftershock risk remains to be assessed as authorities survey the affected regions.
