Authorities in Japan have lifted all tsunami warnings and advisories following a powerful earthquake that struck off the northern coast late Monday night. The earthquake, initially reported as a Magnitude 7.6 (M7.6), rattled a wide area of northern Japan, causing shaking strong enough to make it impossible to remain standing in some locations.
Early reports indicate that at least 30 people were injured, with most cases resulting from falling objects. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far.
Quake Details and Initial Tsunami Threat
The earthquake struck around 11:15 p.m. local time on Monday off the coast of Aomori Prefecture, near the main island of Honshu. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) revised the magnitude slightly to M7.5 in some reports, with the epicenter located approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) offshore at a depth of about 50-54 kilometers.
The powerful tremor immediately prompted the JMA to issue a Tsunami Warning for the Pacific coastlines of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures, warning of potential surges up to 3 meters (10 feet). This led to swift evacuation orders for tens of thousands of coastal residents.
Observed Waves and Aftermath
Actual tsunami waves reaching the coast were significantly lower than the maximum warning, with the largest observed surge measuring 70 centimeters (28 inches) at Kuji port in Iwate Prefecture. Waves between 40 to 50 centimeters were observed in other coastal communities, including Hachinohe in Aomori.
The prompt response and eventual lower-than-expected wave heights allowed authorities to downgrade the warnings to advisories in the early hours of Tuesday, which were then fully lifted shortly thereafter.
Damage and Emergency Response
The immediate aftermath saw reports of damage and disruption across the affected region:
- Injuries: The Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed at least 30 injuries, with one person reported to be seriously hurt. Most injuries were due to falling debris and objects within homes and buildings.
- Infrastructure: Approximately 2,700 homes in Aomori Prefecture briefly lost power. Shinkansen bullet train services were temporarily suspended in parts of the region as a precaution.
- Safety Checks: Nuclear power plants in the affected areas, including those run by Tohoku Electric Power, reported no abnormalities following the quake.
- Government Action: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi activated an emergency task force, urging residents to stay vigilant and prioritize their lives, with Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi mobilizing defense helicopters for damage assessment.
Aftershock Risk and Continued Vigilance
The JMA has cautioned residents to remain alert for potential aftershocks in the coming days. The agency also noted a slightly increased risk of a major "megaquake" in the broader region along the Japan Trench in the coming week, prompting an advisory for local municipalities to review their emergency preparedness.
