Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake Strikes Off Japan's Northeastern Coast; Tsunami Advisory Lifted

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Sunday evening, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The quake occurred at approximately 5:00 PM local time, with its epicenter off the coast of Iwate Prefecture at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Following the earthquake, authorities issued a tsunami advisory, anticipating waves up to 1 meter along the northern coast. Some areas recorded waves measuring 20 centimeters. The advisory remained in effect for about an hour before being lifted.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Bullet train services in the region experienced temporary delays, and local news outlets reported power shortages. The Tohoku Shinkansen briefly lost power, leading to a suspension of operations between Sendai and Shin-Aomori stations, as reported by East Japan Railway.

The Onagawa nuclear power plant in Miyagi Prefecture reported no abnormalities. A JMA official cautioned that earthquakes of similar or greater intensity could occur in the coming days. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to move away from coastal areas and remain vigilant for aftershocks and potential tsunami waves.