Tokyo, Dec 09: A powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off northern Japan late Monday, injuring at least 23 people and triggering tsunami waves of up to 2 feet before warnings were lifted.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the quake occurred at 11:15 pm local time in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 80 kilometers off Aomori Prefecture. Initially estimated at 7.6, the magnitude was later revised to 7.5.
According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, 23 people sustained injuries, including one serious case. Most incidents were caused by falling objects, with damage reported at hotels and on roads.
Tsunami waves between 20 and 70 centimeters were observed at several ports. While authorities had warned of waves up to 3 meters, the actual tsunami was limited to about 2 feet. Around 90,000 residents were evacuated from coastal areas as a precaution.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi activated an emergency task force to prioritize rescue and safety operations. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed helicopters were deployed for aerial assessments, while transport services were suspended and nuclear facilities conducted urgent safety checks.
The Meteorological Agency issued a rare alert warning of the possibility of a larger “megaquake” in the coming days, urging vigilance as aftershocks continue.
Japan, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” remains one of the most seismically active regions in the world. While no fatalities have been reported, experts caution that the risk of stronger aftershocks persists.
