Late Monday night, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.5 struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. The epicenter was about 80 km offshore, at a depth of 54 km. The quake occurred around 11:15 p.m. local time and was strong enough to register “upper 6” on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, causing violent shaking across northern Honshu.
At least 30 people were reported injured, mostly due to falling objects. Several roads developed cracks, and thousands of homes temporarily lost electricity. Train services, including high-speed bullet trains, were suspended as a precaution to ensure passenger safety. Heavy furniture toppled in homes, and some buildings sustained minor structural damage.
The quake triggered tsunami warnings along the Pacific coast, covering Aomori, Hokkaido, and Iwate Prefecture. Authorities initially predicted waves up to three metres high and advised residents to evacuate low-lying coastal areas. By early Tuesday, actual tsunami waves were observed to be between 20 cm and 70 cm, leading authorities to downgrade and eventually lift the tsunami alerts.
No major damage to infrastructure or nuclear facilities has been confirmed, and the Japanese government continues to monitor the situation closely. Emergency teams remain on alert, warning residents of the potential for aftershocks in the coming days. Authorities have urged people to exercise caution and follow safety protocols, especially in areas prone to landslides or flooding.
Despite the injuries and disruptions, the swift response and monitoring helped prevent a larger disaster. Residents have been advised to stay vigilant, check for damages at home, and avoid unnecessary travel while recovery efforts continue.
