A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northeastern Japan late Monday, killing more than 30 people and triggering tsunami warnings and mass evacuations along the Pacific coastline.
The quake occurred at 11:15 p.m. local time at a depth of about 50 kilometers, roughly 80 kilometers off the coast of Aomori prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Tsunami warnings were issued shortly after, with waves of up to 70 centimeters observed before advisories were lifted. Authorities, however, warned that stronger aftershocks could follow in the coming days and urged residents to remain vigilant.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called on the public to “reconfirm your daily earthquake preparedness” and be ready to evacuate immediately if shaking resumes. Approximately 90,000 residents were ordered to evacuate coastal areas, and around 2,700 homes lost power in Aomori. Several train services along the northeastern coast were also suspended.
Meanwhile, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara announced that the government has activated its crisis response center and mobilized emergency teams to assess damage and conduct rescue operations:
“We are making every effort to assess the damage and implement emergency disaster response measures, including rescue and relief operations,”
Officials confirmed that no abnormalities were detected at the Higashidori, Onagawa, or disabled Fukushima nuclear power plants following the tremor.
The disaster is one of Japan’s deadliest in over a decade.
