Tokyo: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale struck off the Sanriku coast in northeastern Japan on Monday afternoon, triggering tsunami warnings and coastal evacuations after waves were detected across multiple prefectures.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, tsunami warnings were issued for Aomori, Iwate prefectures and Hokkaido on the Pacific coast, with forecasts warning that waves of up to three metres could arrive immediately.
Tsunami waves were later observed off Iwate and Aomori prefectures in the Pacific Ocean following the quake, which struck at 4:53 pm local time at a depth of 10 km. The tremor initially measured 7.4 but was later revised to 7.5. It recorded an upper-level 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale in the hardest-hit areas of Aomori Prefecture. The epicentre was located at latitude 39.8°N and longitude 143.2°E.
At Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture, an 80-cm tsunami was recorded, while Miyako Port in the same prefecture saw a 40-cm wave, with further waves expected. At Aomori’s Hachinohe Port, a 30-cm tsunami was observed, and the town of Erimo in Hokkaido reported a 20-cm wave, according to reports. Authorities warned that additional waves could affect a wide stretch of the coastline.
Thousands of residents in coastal areas were ordered to evacuate as emergency alerts were issued. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged people in affected regions to move immediately to higher ground while speaking from her office.
Transport services were also disrupted, with the Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train services between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori suspended by JR East.
No abnormalities have been reported so far at nuclear power plants in Aomori and Miyagi prefectures, and operators confirmed no new issues at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear facilities.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as tsunami waves are expected to continue affecting parts of Japan’s northeastern coastline.
With IANS inputs