A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan near Aomori prefecture on Monday. The epicentre was approximately 80 km (50 miles) offshore at a depth of 50 km.
The quake triggered tsunami warnings of up to 3 meters. Observed waves reached up to 70 cm at ports, including Kuji, Urakawa, and Mutsu Ogawara. Warnings were later downgraded to advisories.
At least 30 people were injured, mostly from falling objects, with one seriously hurt. Minor structural damages, broken glass, and scattered debris were reported in cities like Hachinohe.
Evacuations and disruptions affected about 90,000 residents, with around 800 homes experiencing power outages. Shinkansen bullet trains and local rail services were temporarily suspended. About 200 passengers were stranded at New Chitose Airport.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned of possible aftershocks and a slight increase in risk of a magnitude 8-level quake along northeastern Japan. A “megaquake” advisory was issued for the week following the event.
