7.5-magnitude quake strikes northern Japan, injuring 23 and triggering tsunami
A powerful 7.5-magnitude quake struck off northern Japan late Monday, injuring 23 people and triggering small tsunami waves. Authorities warned of aftershocks and a slightly higher risk of a major quake. Power outages, transport suspensions and safety checks at nuclear facilities were reported, but tsunami advisories were lifted by morning.
- 7.5 quake off Aomori triggered tsunami waves up to 70cm and injured 23 people.
- Power cuts, train suspensions and nuclear-plant safety checks followed the late-night quake.
- JMA warns of aftershocks and a slightly increased risk of a major quake this week; tsunami advisories lifted by morning.
JAPAN: A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off northern Japan late Monday (8 December), sending tsunami waves into coastal communities and injuring 23 people, officials said.
The late-night quake hit at around 11.15 pm, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) off the coast of Aomori Prefecture, on the northern tip of Japan’s main Honshu island.
Tsunami waves of up to 70 centimeters (2 feet, 4 inches) were observed at Kuji port in Iwate Prefecture, with other towns reporting waves reaching 50 centimeters, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Authorities warned of additional aftershocks and noted a heightened risk of a larger quake.
Injuries and Local Damage Reported
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed that 23 people were hurt, including one person seriously.
NHK reported that most injuries were caused by falling objects. Several people were hurt inside a hotel in Hachinohe, while a man in Tohoku suffered minor injuries after his car fell into a hole created by the quake.
The JMA initially estimated the magnitude at 7.6 before revising it to 7.5. An alert for possible tsunamis of up to 3 meters (10 feet) was issued before being downgraded to an advisory.
Authorities Urge Evacuations and Suspend Transport
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara urged residents in affected coastal areas to move to higher ground or seek shelter until tsunami warnings were lifted.
He said roughly 800 households lost power, while Shinkansen bullet trains and several local lines were temporarily suspended.
Nuclear Facilities Conduct Safety Checks
Following the earthquake, nuclear power facilities in the region initiated precautionary inspections.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority reported that about 450 liters (118 gallons) of water spilled from a spent fuel cooling area at the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori.
Officials said the water level remained within the normal operating range and posed no safety risk.
Increased Quake Risk Over the Coming Week
The JMA cautioned that more aftershocks are likely in the days ahead. It added that there is a slightly elevated possibility of a magnitude-8-level earthquake occurring along the northeastern coastline, from Chiba (east of Tokyo) to Hokkaido.
Residents across 182 municipalities were urged to stay alert and review emergency plans throughout the week.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters that the government had activated an emergency task force to assess damage and coordinate response efforts.
Separate 5.1-Magnitude Quake Recorded
By 6.20 am Tuesday, all tsunami advisories for northern Japan’s Pacific coast were lifted, NHK reported.
The U.S. Geological Survey detected another earthquake early Tuesday: a 5.1-magnitude tremor located about 122 kilometers (76 miles) south of Honcho, at a depth of 35 kilometers.
0 Comments