Japan Lifts Tsunami Warnings After 7.5-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northeast

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan late Monday, prompting tsunami warnings and the evacuation of approximately 90,000 residents in Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the quake occurred at 11:15 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located about 80 kilometers offshore from Aomori Prefecture at a depth of 54 kilometers.

In Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, the tremor registered an "upper 6" on Japan's seismic intensity scale, indicating severe shaking capable of causing significant structural damage. Initial tsunami warnings predicted waves up to 3 meters; however, observed tsunamis ranged from 20 to 70 centimeters. Consequently, the JMA downgraded the warnings to advisories and lifted all tsunami alerts by early Tuesday.

Authorities reported at least 30 injuries, primarily due to falling objects, and one fire incident. No major structural damage or fatalities have been confirmed. Power outages affected several hundred homes in the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions but were restored by 5 a.m. Tuesday. Rail services, including the Tohoku Shinkansen, experienced temporary suspensions for safety inspections.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated that the government is mobilizing all resources to assess the damage, conduct search-and-rescue operations, and implement emergency disaster relief measures, prioritizing human life. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that there were no abnormalities at Japan's nuclear facilities, including the Fukushima No. 1 plant.

The JMA has issued a one-week advisory cautioning of potential aftershocks and the possibility of further strong quakes in the affected regions.