A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off northern Japan late Monday, injuring 23 people and triggering small tsunamis along the Pacific coast. Authorities warned of possible aftershocks and an increased risk of a larger quake.
Quake and Tsunami Impact
The tremor hit at 11:15 p.m. local time, about 80 km off Aomori Prefecture, Honshu’s northernmost region. Tsunami waves of up to 70 cm were recorded at Kuji port in Iwate Prefecture, with other coastal towns reporting surges of up to 50 cm. The Japan Meteorological Agency initially warned of waves up to 3 meters, later downgrading to an advisory.
Damage and Injuries
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed 23 injuries, including one serious case. Many were struck by falling objects. Reports included injuries at a hotel in Hachinohe and a man in Tohoku hurt when his car fell into a hole. About 800 homes lost electricity, and Shinkansen bullet trains along with local rail lines were suspended. Around 200 passengers were stranded overnight at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido.
Government Response
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara urged residents to evacuate to higher ground until advisories were lifted.
Nuclear plants conducted safety checks. At the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant, about 450 liters of water spilled from a spent fuel cooling area, but regulators said there was no safety risk.
480 residents took shelter at Hachinohe Air Base, with 18 defense helicopters deployed for damage assessment.Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced an emergency task force, stressing:“We are putting people’s lives first and doing everything we can.”
Ongoing Risk
The meteorological agency cautioned of possible aftershocks and a slight increase in risk of a magnitude 8-level quake along Japan’s northeastern coast, from Chiba to Hokkaido. Residents in 182 municipalities were urged to stay prepared for immediate evacuation.
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