Japan was thrown into turmoil late Monday after a powerful offshore earthquake sent shockwaves across the country and triggered widespread emergency measures.
More than 100 000 residents were told to flee their homes as authorities raced to assess the damage and monitor the rapidly changing situation.
The quake hit just after 11pm local time, striking roughly 44 miles off the nation’s northeastern coastline. Data from the United States Geological Survey placed the depth at about 33 miles beneath the ocean surface. Its impact was felt far beyond the epicentre, even Tokyo, situated more than 400 miles away, experienced extended and forceful shaking as buildings rattled for over half a minute, as per CNN.
Ahead of the incident, Japan’s weather agency had cautioned the public about a small chance of an even larger seismic event. Although they emphasised the uncertainty of such a scenario, officials urged residents to prioritise personal safety and ensure they were prepared for sudden disasters.
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In the immediate aftermath, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings for coastal regions including Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate. Emergency sirens sounded as authorities urged people to move away from low-lying areas. Initial fears of severe waves eased as tide gauges revealed smaller surges than expected: a 2.3-foot rise in Iwate’s Kuji port and around 1.3 feet along parts of Aomori and Hokkaido.
As conditions stabilised overnight, the tsunami warning was downgraded to an advisory, and by Tuesday morning all alerts were lifted.
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed that evacuation instructions covered more than 114 000 people. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reported that at least 30 individuals had been injured and warned that more tremors, possibly of equal or greater intensity, could follow.
Officials in Aomori detailed multiple injuries and several fires linked to the quake. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara noted additional disruptions, including power failures in both Aomori and Iwate. High-speed train services between Fukushima and Aomori were halted, and parts of major expressways were temporarily closed as crews checked for damage. Kihara again urged residents in affected zones to move to higher ground or seek out designated shelters until authorities confirmed the areas were safe.
Japan remained on edge throughout the night, with emergency teams working around the clock to restore services and reassure communities still shaken by the sudden seismic shock.
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