A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan on Monday, triggering a tsunami of up to 40 centimeters in several coastal areas, according to the Japanese Meteorological Agency.
The quake occurred just east of Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Honshu, and south of Hokkaido.
The agency confirmed that tsunami waves of 40 centimeters hit the town of Urakawa in Hokkaido and the port of Mutsu Ogawara in Aomori. Public broadcaster NHK reported that several people were injured at a hotel in the Aomori town of Hachinohe, though details of the injuries were not immediately available.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government had activated an emergency task force to assess the situation and coordinate response efforts. She told reporters that authorities were prioritising the safety of residents and taking all necessary measures to address the impact of the quake.
Nuclear power plants in the affected region were carrying out safety checks following the tremor, NHK reported. Japan, located along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences powerful earthquakes, and authorities continue to urge residents in coastal regions to remain alert to official warnings.