A significant earthquake struck the northern coast of Japan yesterday, prompting tsunami warnings and reports of injuries, according to local media. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued tsunami advisories following the tremor.
The earthquake, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, was reported to have occurred off the coast of Misawa, along Japan’s Pacific coastline. The seismic event forced residents to evacuate their homes, and thousands experienced power outages.
The JMA initially issued a tsunami warning, with the first waves hitting the northern region of Aomori, where Misawa is located. Reports indicated that waves reaching up to 70 centimeters were observed along the coast.
Early this morning, local time, the JMA lifted the tsunami warning, according to Kyodo News. However, less severe advisories remained in effect for certain areas in northern Japan before being lifted later.
NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, quoted a hotel employee in Hachinohe, Aomori, stating that some individuals sustained injuries as a result of the earthquake, which struck at 14:15 GMT. Live broadcasts showed scattered glass debris on the streets.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake at a depth of 44 kilometers. NHK reported that residents of Hachinohe evacuated their homes and sought shelter in the town hall. Approximately 2,700 homes in Aomori experienced power outages, according to Kyodo News, and reports of fires surfaced.
Residents in the northern city of Sapporo also felt the earthquake, and alerts were sent to their smartphones. An NHK correspondent in Hokkaido reported difficulty standing due to the tremor, which lasted approximately 30 seconds. Tsunami advisories were issued along the coast following the earthquake.
