Magnitude 7.5 quake in northern Japan injures 23 people and triggers a tsunami
TOKYO — A strong 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit northern Japan late Monday, causing more than 20 injuries and generating a tsunami up to 70 centimeters (28 inches) in coastal areas along the Pacific, officials confirmed.
The Japanese government stated that assessments were ongoing regarding the damages from the tsunami and the late-night earthquake that occurred around 11:15 p.m. (1415 GMT) in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) off the Aomori coast, the northernmost prefecture on Japan’s Honshu island.
Residents in the town of Hachinohe in Aomori expressed shock at the intensity of the shaking caused by the earthquake. Nobuo Yamada, a convenience store owner, mentioned his relief that power lines were still functioning in his area despite the strong tremors.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported 23 injuries, with one person in serious condition. Most injuries were caused by falling objects, with incidents reported in a hotel in Hachinohe and a man in Tohoku sustaining minor injuries after his car fell into a hole.
The Japan Meteorological Agency revised the earthquake magnitude to 7.5 and issued warnings of potential tsunami surges of up to 3 meters (10 feet) in certain areas.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara advised residents to move to higher ground or seek shelter until the warnings were lifted. Kihara also mentioned that safety checks were being conducted at nuclear power plants in the region, with no issues reported so far.
The meteorological agency cautioned about potential aftershocks in the following days and highlighted a slight increase in the risk of a magnitude 8-level quake and subsequent tsunami along Japan’s northeastern coast.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi assured that an emergency task force had been set up to assess the damage promptly and prioritize the safety of the citizens. She urged residents to stay informed and ready to evacuate if necessary.
The earthquake epicenter was located northeast of Hachinohe, approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) below the sea surface, close to the area that was devastated by the 2011 magnitude 9.0 quake and tsunami.
