A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's northern coast late Monday, causing injuries, a small tsunami, and damage. Authorities are assessing the situation and warning of potential aftershocks, recalling the devastating 2011 disaster.
Japan is assessing damage and cautioning people of potential aftershocks following a late-night 7.5 magnitude earthquake. The quake, which the U.S. Geological Survey measured at 7.6 magnitude, struck around 11:15 p.m. in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) off the coast of Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Honshu island. At least 33 people were injured, one seriously, mostly from falling objects. A tsunami of up to 70 centimeters (2 feet, 4 inches) was measured in Kuji port, Iwate prefecture, with waves up to 50 centimeters affecting other communities and damaging some oyster rafts. All tsunami advisories were lifted by 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the formation of an emergency task force to urgently assess damage, prioritizing lives. Approximately 800 homes initially lost electricity, though power was mostly restored by Tuesday morning. Shinkansen bullet trains and some local lines were suspended, with East Japan Railway aiming to resume services later Tuesday. About 480 residents sought shelter at Hachinohe Air Base, and 18 defense helicopters were mobilized for damage assessment. New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido saw 200 passengers stranded overnight, and part of a domestic terminal was unusable due to ceiling damage. The Nuclear Regulation Authority reported a minor spill of about 450 liters (118 gallons) of water from a spent fuel cooling area at the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori, but confirmed water levels remained normal with no safety concerns. No abnormalities were found at other nuclear facilities. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) cautioned about possible aftershocks in the coming days and a slight increase in risk for a magnitude 8-level quake and potential tsunami along Japan’s northeastern coast, urging 182 municipalities to monitor emergency preparedness. This event occurred just north of the coastal region affected by the devastating 2011 magnitude 9.0 quake and tsunami.
