A strong earthquake has struck off the northeastern coast of Japan, triggering tsunami warnings and large-scale evacuation orders across multiple regions.
The quake, initially measured at 7.4 magnitude and later revised to 7.7 by the Japan Meteorological Agency, occurred off the eastern coast of Honshu. Authorities issued a tsunami warning of up to three meters for Iwate Prefecture and parts of Hokkaido and Aomori. Other areas in northeastern Japan were placed under advisory, with expected wave heights of up to one meter.
The US Geological Survey also confirmed the earthquake’s magnitude, while tsunami alerts were issued shortly after the event.
Early observations show tsunami waves below the maximum warning levels so far. A wave of about 0.8 meters reached Kuji Port, while a 0.4-meter wave was recorded at Miyako Port. Officials warned that wave activity could continue to rise.
Authorities have ordered the evacuation of more than 170,000 people across five prefectures. Residents in coastal areas have been urged to move to higher ground or designated evacuation centers as a precaution.
No injuries or major structural damage have been confirmed so far, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, though assessments are ongoing. Around 200 power outages have been reported in affected regions, with restoration efforts in progress.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called for immediate evacuation in high-risk areas and confirmed that an emergency response task force has been established. Authorities are also warning of possible aftershocks in the coming days, which could trigger additional advisories.
Transport services have been disrupted across northern Japan. Bullet train operations between Tokyo and Aomori have been suspended, along with several regional rail lines, due to safety concerns and power outages.
Nuclear facilities in the region, including Fukushima Daiichi and Fukushima Daini, have reported no abnormalities. Operators confirmed that radiation levels remain within normal limits, though workers were evacuated as a precaution.
Japan, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences earthquakes. The latest tremor has revived concerns given the country's history, including the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to remain alert as aftershocks and further tsunami activity remain possible.
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