A significant 7.6 magnitude earthquake jolted the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday, prompting immediate action from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) which issued a tsunami warning. The quake’s epicenter was located off the coast of Aomori Prefecture, on the main island of Honshu, at a depth of 50 kilometers. The tremor struck at 23:15 local time.
Authorities have warned that tsunami waves could reach heights of up to three meters (10 feet). The JMA stressed the critical importance of adhering to safety instructions, urging all residents in threatened areas to move to secure, elevated positions and await official clearance. The agency’s alert on X stated, “Tsunamis will strike repeatedly. Do not leave a safe location until the warning is lifted.”
Initial reports indicated that smaller tsunami waves, around 40 cm, had already been observed in certain areas of Aomori and Hokkaido, with Iwate recording waves up to 50 cm. However, the JMA cautioned that the threat of larger waves along Japan’s northeastern shoreline remains significant.
This powerful earthquake followed earlier seismic activity in the region, including a 7.5 magnitude event and a subsequent 6.0 magnitude event, both occurring at a 60 km depth. Japan’s northeastern coast, known for its seismic vulnerability, is now on high alert as officials monitor the situation closely.
