Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 shook northeastern Japan late Monday night, injuring around 30 people and sending tsunami waves up to 70 centimetres high to the Pacific coast, according to the Japanese government. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake struck at 11:15 pm near the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture at a depth of 54 kilometres. The agency also warned that another earthquake of equal or greater strength could hit the same area in the coming days.
This is the first time the agency has issued such a warning for the coastal regions of Hokkaido and the Sanriku coastline, which includes Aomori, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to stay alert and follow updates from local authorities. She advised people to prepare for a possible second quake by securing furniture and keeping emergency plans ready, while continuing normal activities with caution.
The injuries reported so far came from Aomori Prefecture and Hokkaido. The agency explained that the region sits along a major undersea trench where the Pacific plate slides beneath Japan’s main island of Honshu, an area known for triggering powerful seismic events. After reviewing data, the agency revised the quake’s original magnitude from 7.6 down to 7.5. It also warned of a possible tsunami as high as 3 metres, although the largest wave observed was 70 centimetres in Iwate.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are urging the public to stay prepared for additional tremors. The event has once again highlighted Japan’s vulnerability to strong natural disasters, especially in areas where tectonic activity is frequent. Officials stressed the importance of staying updated with official warnings to ensure community safety.
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