A strong earthquake, initially measured at magnitude 7.6, struck off the coast of northern Japan on Monday evening, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue a tsunami warning for several northern prefectures.
The quake struck at approximately 11:15 p.m. local time, centered at a depth of 50 kilometers off the coast of Aomori Prefecture.
The JMA registered the intensity of the tremors at an upper 6 on Japan’s seven-point scale in the city of Hachinohe, Aomori – the second highest level, indicating severe difficulty standing or moving.
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Tsunami threat and initial impact
A tsunami warning was immediately issued for the coastal areas of Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate prefectures, with forecasts suggesting waves could reach up to three meters in some areas.
According to initial reports, several injuries were reported at a hotel in Hachinohe, Aomori.
Several other waves reached the coast, measuring up to 50 centimeters (20 inches), the agency said.
The quake was also felt in the northern center of Sapporo, where smartphones rang an alarm to warn residents.
Live footage showed broken glass shards strewn across the roads.
Hachinohe residents flee their homes to seek shelter at City Hall, public broadcaster NHK he said.
Read also | Massive 7.6 magnitude earthquake hits Japan, tsunami warning issued
The government has set up an emergency task force
Addressing reporters in response to the serious incident, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that the government has set up an emergency task force. The prime minister emphasized that the government prioritizes the safety of human life.
“We put people’s lives first and do everything we can,” Takaichi said.
Top government spokesman Minoru Kihara urged residents to stay in a safe place until the warning is lifted.
“Even after the initial wave, a second or third wave of even greater height may arrive,” he told reporters.
No impact on nuclear power plants
No problems have been reported at nearby nuclear power plants. The Onagawa nuclear power plant, operated by Tohoku Electric Power Co in nearby Miyagi Prefecture, did not experience any abnormalities, according to an official from Japan’s atomic regulator, as reported Bloomberg.
Reactor #2 is currently in operation. No problems were detected at the idle Higashidori nuclear power plant, which is also operated by Tohoku Electric, the official said.
According to grid operators, there were limited power outages in the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions. A 600-megawatt coal-fired unit at Hokkaido Electric Power Co’s Tomato-Atsuma plant was shut down after the quake, according to the Japan Electric Power Exchange website.
