Powerful 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Japan, Triggers Tsunami and Evacuations

A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan late Monday, shaking the region, triggering a tsunami warning, and prompting urgent evacuation orders as authorities assessed damage and potential risks to critical infrastructure.

The earthquake occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m. local time (1415 GMT), about 80 kilometers (50 miles) off the coast of Aomori Prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake struck at a depth of around 33 miles (70 kilometers) offshore.

Tsunami waves quickly followed the tremor. A tsunami of 70 centimeters (2.3 feet) was measured at Kuji port in Iwate Prefecture, just south of Aomori, according to the JMA. Additional waves of 50 centimeters were recorded in other coastal communities, with a 40-centimeter (16-inch) wave reaching areas in Aomori and Hokkaido.

The JMA issued an alert warning that tsunami surges could reach heights of up to 3 meters (10 feet) in some coastal areas. “A tsunami of almost 10 feet (3 meters) could hit some areas of the coast, including Iwate, Aomori and parts of Hokkaido,” the JMA stated. Residents were urged to evacuate immediately. “We encourage everyone in affected areas to heed evacuation orders,” the JMA added.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stressed the importance of immediate action. “Residents should immediately head to higher ground or take shelter inside buildings or evacuation centers until the alert is lifted,” he said during a news conference early Tuesday.

Several injuries and incidents have been reported. Public broadcaster NHK noted that a number of people were injured at a hotel in the Aomori town of Hachinohe. In the town of Tohoku, a man sustained minor injuries when his car fell into a hole reportedly caused by the earthquake. Fires were also reported across Aomori Prefecture, and about 90,000 residents were advised to seek shelter in evacuation centers, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

Kihara confirmed that authorities are checking nearby nuclear power facilities. “Nuclear power plants in the region were conducting safety checks and so far no problems were detected,” he said. Specifically, there have been “no reports of ‘abnormalities at this time’ at the country’s Higashidōri and Onagawa nuclear power plants,” Kihara added. He also confirmed that “other nuclear facilities are currently being checked.”

Power outages have been reported in Aomori and Iwate Prefectures. High-speed train service between Fukushima and Aomori has been suspended, and sections of expressways are closed, Kihara said during the update.

A CNN team in Tokyo reported that strong tremors were felt in the capital during the earthquake and that the shaking lasted for more than 30 seconds. In Yokohama, a tsunami warning was displayed on television screens shortly after the quake.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the nation, assuring that her government would coordinate closely with local officials to manage the situation. “The government would be acting as one under the principle of putting human life first,” she said. Takaichi, who took office in October, emphasized that emergency response measures would be implemented swiftly.

Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of frequent seismic and volcanic activity. Monday’s quake comes as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The deadliest in recent memory, the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, measured 9.1 and triggered a massive tsunami and a nuclear disaster that left over 22,000 people dead or missing.

As of Tuesday morning, authorities continue to monitor wave levels and seismic activity along the northeastern coastline. The situation remains under close watch as officials assess the full extent of the damage and confirm the safety of infrastructure, including transportation, utilities, and nuclear facilities. This is a developing story, check back for more updates.