7.5 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan’s Northeast Coast, Tsunami Warning Issued
A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s northeastern coast on Saturday. The quake’s epicenter was located 10 kilometres deep in the Pacific Ocean.
Authorities have issued a tsunami warning for waves up to 3 metres (9.84 feet) high, particularly affecting the prefectures of Iwate, Aomori, and Hokkaido. Residents in coastal areas have been urged to move to higher ground immediately.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has formed an emergency task force and called on citizens to move to safer locations. Bullet train services have been suspended in parts of Aomori. In Hachinohe port in Hokkaido, ships are moving out to deeper sea as a precautionary measure.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the quake registered “Upper 5” on the Japanese seismic intensity scale in some areas, strong enough to make normal movement difficult and cause damage to weaker structures.
Japan lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and experiences frequent seismic activity. While no active nuclear power plants are operating in the directly affected regions, operators are checking the Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant for any impact.
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