7.6 Magnitude Quake Hits Japan, Tsunami Warning Issued

7.6 Magnitude Quake Hits Japan, Tsunami Warning Issued

A 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the northeastern regions of Japan, prompting authorities to immediately issue a tsunami warning and instruct residents to move to safe locations.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency and reports from Reuters, the earthquake occurred at 11:15 PM offshore, with fears of tsunami waves reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet) along the northeastern coast. Residents have been urged to take precautionary measures.

The tsunami warning was issued for Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures. Before midnight, tsunami waves measuring 40 centimeters were recorded at Metsu Ogawara in Aomori and Yurakawa ports in Hokkaido. The earthquake’s epicenter was located 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the Aomori coast at a depth of 50 kilometers (30 miles).

Initial reports indicate no immediate casualties or significant damage, though authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Following the tremors, evacuation orders were issued for several areas in Japan, and some train services in eastern Japan were temporarily suspended as a precaution.

This region was severely affected by the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries, experiencing tremors on average every five minutes. Situated along the “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 20 percent of earthquakes worldwide with a magnitude of 6.0 or higher occur in Japan.