TOKYO, JAPAN – Japan is evaluating the impact and warning residents of possible aftershocks following a late-night 7.5 magnitude earthquake that caused injuries, minor damage, and a tsunami along the Pacific coast. At least 33 people were injured, one seriously, mostly from falling objects.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said an emergency task force has been formed to assess damage, emphasizing that the government is prioritizing public safety. She also reminded citizens to take personal precautions. The quake struck around 11:15 p.m. about 80 kilometers off the coast of Aomori on Honshu island. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded it at magnitude 7.6, occurring 44 kilometers below the surface.
Tsunami waves up to 70 centimeters hit Kuji port in Iwate prefecture, with smaller waves affecting surrounding areas and damaging some oyster rafts. All tsunami advisories were lifted by early Tuesday morning. About 800 homes lost power temporarily, and Shinkansen bullet trains and some local lines were briefly suspended, though service was largely restored later in the day.
Approximately 480 people sought shelter at Hachinohe Air Base, and 18 defense helicopters were deployed to assess damage. Around 200 passengers were stranded overnight at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido due to ceiling damage in part of a terminal.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority reported a minor water spill at the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori but confirmed that levels remained safe, with no issues at other nuclear facilities.
Officials warned that aftershocks are likely in the coming days and that there is a slightly elevated risk of a magnitude 8-level quake along Japan’s northeastern coast. Residents in 182 municipalities were advised to maintain emergency preparedness. The area affected by Monday’s quake is near the site of the 2011 magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that caused widespread destruction and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.
Smaller tremors continued on Tuesday, including magnitudes 6.6 and 5.1, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
