A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off northern Japan late Monday, injuring at least 23 people and triggering a tsunami across several Pacific coast communities. The earthquake occurred around 11:15 p.m. in the Pacific Ocean, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) off the coast of Aomori, Japan's northernmost prefecture located on the main island of Honshu. Officials have warned residents of the potential for aftershocks and an increased risk of a megaquake.
The Japanese government is currently assessing the damages caused by the tsunami and the earthquake. Reports indicate significant impact in coastal areas, with a tsunami reaching heights of up to 70 centimeters (approximately 2 feet, 4 inches) at Kuji port in Iwate prefecture, just south of Aomori. Other nearby communities recorded tsunami levels reaching up to 50 centimeters. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that 23 individuals sustained injuries, with one person in serious condition. Most of the injuries were attributed to falling objects, with incidents reported at a hotel in Hachinohe and one individual slightly injured when his car fell into a hole.
Initially, the Japan Meteorological Agency recorded the earthquake's magnitude at 7.6, later downgrading it to 7.5. An alert for potential tsunami surges of up to 3 meters (10 feet) was initially issued but subsequently downgraded to a cautionary advisory. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara urged residents in affected areas to seek higher ground for safety and reported that around 800 homes were without electricity due to the quake. Suspensions of Shinkansen bullet trains and some local railway lines were also shortly enacted across parts of the region.
Safety checks were underway at nuclear power plants in the area. Kihara stated that approximately 450 liters (118 gallons) of water had spilled from a spent fuel cooling area at the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant, but reassured the public that the water levels remained stable and posed no safety threat. Meanwhile, around 480 residents sought shelter at the Hachinohe Air Base, and approximately 18 defense helicopters were deployed for damage assessment as confirmed by Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido experienced disruptions, leaving about 200 passengers stranded for the night. The Japan Meteorological Agency advised residents of possible aftershocks in the coming days and highlighted an increased risk of significant seismic activity, including potential magnitude 8-level quakes and associated tsunamis along Japan's northeastern coast, stretching from Chiba, east of Tokyo, to Hokkaido. Authorities have urged preparation among residents in 182 municipalities to ensure effective emergency responses.
Satoshi Kato, the vice principal of a public high school in Hachinohe, recounted his experience during the quake, noting that while he was at home, items broke from shelves, prompting him to drive to the school, designated as an evacuation center. He encountered heavy traffic and accidents due to panicked residents attempting to flee, but he noted no one had yet sought shelter at the school upon his arrival.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the establishment of an emergency task force to assess the extent of the damage. She emphasized, “We are putting people’s lives first and doing everything we can,” and urged residents to stay updated on local advisories and be prepared to evacuate promptly when necessary.
The earthquake occurred approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Hachinohe and at a depth of about 50 kilometers (30 miles) below sea level. The region is historically significant, having previously experienced a devastating magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in 2011 that claimed nearly 20,000 lives and severely impacted the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
Officials stress the importance of preparedness, as the potential for major seismic events remains a possibility. At 6:20 a.m. on Tuesday morning, authorities lifted all tsunami advisories for the affected Pacific coastline, bringing some relief to the concerned residents. However, seismic activity continued to be monitored, with another earthquake of magnitude 5.1 reported early Tuesday, located approximately 122 kilometers (76 miles) south of Honcho at a depth of 35 kilometers.
