• Source:JND

Japan has issued a tsunami warning after a powerful earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.6 struck offshore on Monday, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported. Officials warned that tsunami waves as high as three metres (10 feet) could hit the northeastern coast, particularly the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate.

The earthquake jolted large parts of northern and eastern Japan at 11:15 p.m. local time (1415 GMT). The JMA said the epicentre was located approximately 80 km (50 miles) off the coast of Aomori prefecture at a depth of 50 km (30 miles).

Authorities have urged residents in low-lying coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground immediately and follow safety instructions from local emergency services. Public transportation in some regions has been temporarily disrupted as a precaution.

Nuclear Plants Under Safety Check

Nuclear power plants in the affected regions are conducting safety inspections following the quake, NHK reported. So far, there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties, but officials continue to monitor aftershocks and the potential impact of the tsunami.

The JMA has stressed that residents remain vigilant, as the situation could evolve rapidly and further warnings may be issued depending on the movement of the waves.

Hazardous Waves Possible In Japan, Russia

Hazardous tsunami waves triggered by the powerful Hokkaido earthquake could affect areas within 1,000 km of the epicenter, along the coasts of both Japan and Russia. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued tsunami warnings for the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate. Before midnight, the agency reported that a tsunami measuring 40 cm had already been observed at Aomori’s Mutsu Ogawara port and Hokkaido’s Urakawa port.


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