Japan hit by 7.6 magnitude quake; tens of thousands evacuated

A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck off Japan's north-eastern coast late Monday night, jolting communities and prompting mass evacuations. The quake occurred roughly 80 kilometers off the coast of Misawa in the Aomori region, at a depth of about 53 kilometers, according to the latest official data. Tsunami warnings were issued for coastal zones, with waves measured at up to around 70 centimeters before the warnings were lifted. Dozens of injuries were reported as residents flocked to evacuation centers and public safety alerts urged people to stay away from coastal areas.

The tremor caused disruptions across transport and utilities, with rail services suspended in several areas and thousands losing power in the immediate aftermath. Fire and disaster authorities reported fires in parts of Aomori and a swift response to secure affected neighborhoods. Electric and water services were gradually being restored as engineers inspected critical infrastructure. Officials said emergency task forces were activated and residents were advised to follow local guidance for the coming days, as aftershocks could continue.

Authorities reassured the public that major nuclear facilities in the region were under monitoring and reported no abnormal readings at Higashidori and Onagawa plants following initial checks. Prime Minister-level advisories urged residents to keep phones charged, secure furniture, and be prepared for potential further evacuations if aftershocks intensify. While the immediate danger from the initial quake appeared to subside, scientists warned that similar or larger tremors could occur in the days ahead, keeping communities on alert as assessments continue.

Cover image source: Magnitude 7.6 quake strikes off Japan, triggering tsunami warning 🔗

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