Powerful 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Japan’s Northeast Coast

A strong earthquake shook Japan’s northeastern coast on Monday, rattling homes, cutting power, and sending residents fleeing as tsunami warnings swept the region.

The 7.6-magnitude tremor struck off Misawa in Aomori prefecture along the Pacific coast at 2:15 p.m. GMT, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The quake’s intensity prompted the agency to issue a tsunami alert, with waves reported reaching up to 70 centimeters (about 2 feet 4 inches) in coastal areas.

Local media reported that the tremor caused injuries, though details on the severity remain limited. Public broadcaster NHK cited a hotel employee in Hachinohe who confirmed several people were hurt. Authorities scrambled to assess damage as thousands of households lost electricity in the quake’s wake.

By early Tuesday, JMA lifted the major tsunami warning, though smaller advisories remained in effect for parts of northern Japan, according to Kyodo News. Officials urged residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant, highlighting Japan’s ongoing earthquake preparedness protocols.

This tremor is the latest in a series of seismic events that frequently strike Japan, a nation sitting atop the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” The area is prone to quakes and tsunamis, and Japan has invested heavily in early warning systems and evacuation plans.

“The quake was strong and sudden, shaking the city for several seconds. Many people ran out of their homes in fear,” said a local resident in Misawa, speaking to reporters. Emergency services mobilized quickly to respond to reports of injuries and damage along the coast.

While Japan has suffered devastating earthquakes in the past, officials stressed that current measures, including early alerts and rapid response teams, helped limit casualties and damage. Nonetheless, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the country’s seismic vulnerability.

According to reports citing the Financial Times, authorities are continuing to monitor coastal areas for aftershocks and residual tsunami risk, while local communities begin recovery and damage assessment.

Stay updated with the latest news here.