Powerful 7.5-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks North-Eastern Japan — 30 Injured, 90,000 Evacuated

A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the north-eastern coast of Japan late Monday night, prompting widespread evacuations, injuries, and temporary disruption to transport and utilities. The epicenter was located about 80 km off the coast of Aomori Prefecture at a depth of roughly 50–54 km.

According to the authorities, around 30 people were injured, most by falling objects, and one residential fire was reported. In response to the seismic event, emergency evacuation orders were issued for approximately 90,000 residents across the affected coastal prefectures, including Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate Prefecture.

The quake triggered tsunami warnings initial forecasts warned of waves up to 3 metres. Later, smaller waves between 20 and 70 cm  were observed at several ports before warnings were downgraded to advisories. Rail and bullet-train services in the region were suspended temporarily, and thousands of households experienced power outages.

The government has issued a caution that stronger aftershocks and possibly even a larger quake could occur in the coming days. Sanae Takaichi, the Japanese Prime Minister, appealed to residents to “reconfirm your daily earthquake preparedness,” urging people to secure furniture and remain ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice if shaking occurs again.

As of now, tsunami advisories have been lifted and authorities continue to monitor for aftershocks while assessing damage and restoring services.