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Powerful earthquake strikes off Japan's Aomori coast
A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Japan late Monday, injuring at least 30 people and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate as tsunami warnings were briefly issued, officials reported.
Quake details and immediate impact
The tremor hit at 23:15 local time (14:15 GMT) approximately 80 km off the coast of Aomori prefecture, at a depth of 50 km, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Waves reaching 70 cm were observed, though tsunami warnings were later lifted.
Thousands of households lost power, and train services along the northeastern coast were suspended. Aomori's government confirmed around 2,700 homes were without electricity.
Government response and public warnings
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to review emergency preparedness, secure furniture, and prepare for potential aftershocks. Authorities warned of possible stronger tremors in the coming week and advised heightened vigilance.
An emergency response office was established at the prime minister's crisis management center. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated efforts were underway to assess damage and coordinate rescue operations.
"We are making every effort to assess the damage and implement emergency disaster response measures, including rescue and relief operations."
Minoru Kihara, Chief Cabinet Secretary
Nuclear safety checks
Tohoku Electric Power reported no irregularities at its Higashidori and Onagawa nuclear plants following the quake. Authorities also confirmed no issues at the disabled Fukushima Daiichi site, relaying the update to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Historical context and seismic risks
Japan, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences roughly 1,500 earthquakes annually. The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, a 9.0-magnitude disaster, triggered a devastating tsunami that killed over 18,000 people and caused catastrophic damage.
Earlier this year, Japan's earthquake investigation panel warned of a 60-90% chance of a megaquake along the Nankai Trough within 30 years, with potential economic losses in the trillions and mass casualties.
