Powerful 7.5-Magnitude Earthquake Off Japan Triggers Tsunami

A strong earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale jolted northern Japan late Monday night, unleashing tsunami waves and forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate coastal areas. The quake struck at approximately 11:15 p.m. local time (2:15 p.m. GMT), with its epicenter located about 80 kilometers off the coast of Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost region of Honshu, Japan’s main island.

Human Impact

• At least 23 people were injured, including one seriously, according to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Falling objects caused most injuries during the violent shaking.
• Local media reported several fires in Aomori, prompting 90,000 residents to evacuate to higher ground and emergency shelters.
• Witnesses described the tremors as unusually intense. “I’ve never experienced such a big shaking,” said Nobuo Yamada, a convenience store owner in Hachinohe, Aomori.

Tsunami and Warnings

• The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed tsunami waves of up to 70 centimeters in Kuji port, Iwate Prefecture, with smaller surges recorded along other parts of the northeastern coastline.
• Initial warnings suggested waves could reach up to 3 meters, prompting widespread evacuations across Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate.
• By early Tuesday, authorities lifted the tsunami warnings, though advisories remained in place for potential aftershocks and further seismic activity.

Government Response

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the immediate formation of an emergency task force to coordinate relief efforts and assess damage. “We are putting people’s lives first and doing everything we can,” she said in a televised statement.

The National Police Agency and local fire departments mobilized rescue teams, while nuclear power plants in the region conducted urgent safety checks. No irregularities have been reported so far.

Regional and Global Concerns

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) cautioned that hazardous waves could affect areas as far as Russia’s eastern coastline, though the most significant impact was confined to Japan’s northern shores. Seismologists also warned of possible aftershocks and an increased risk of a larger “megaquake” in the coming days.

Context

Japan, located along the seismically active Ring of Fire, experiences frequent earthquakes. The latest tremor is one of the strongest to hit the country in recent years, reviving memories of the devastating 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which claimed nearly 20,000 lives.

In summary: The December 8 earthquake off northern Japan has left dozens injured, triggered tsunami waves, and displaced tens of thousands. Authorities remain on high alert as aftershocks continue to pose risks, while emergency services work to stabilize affected communities.