7.5-7.6 magnitude quake rattles northern Japan; tsunami warning issued then lifted, 30+ injured
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Summary: Strong earthquakes hit southern Japan, injuring dozens and prompting tsunami warnings across coastal areas.
Late on Monday night, a major earthquake struck off northern Japan — the first strong tremor of its size in 2025. The quake, initially measured at magnitude 7.6 by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and later revised slightly downward to 7.5, hit about 80 km off the coast of Aomori Prefecture, at a depth of roughly 54 km.
The tremor was powerful enough to register as “upper-6” on Japan’s seismic intensity scale in parts of the prefecture — enough to make standing difficult, shake buildings, and topple furniture.
Almost immediately, the JMA issued a tsunami warning for the Pacific-facing prefectures of Aomori, Iwate Prefecture and Hokkaido, warning of waves up to three metres (about 10 feet). Hundreds of thousands along the coast headed for higher ground.
By early Tuesday morning, emergency services had confirmed at least 30-33 people injured, most by falling objects. One person was listed in serious condition. Roads were damaged in places, and thousands of residents were left without power, though supply was partly restored in many areas.
Coastal gauges recorded tsunami waves ranging from 0.2 m to 0.7 m (20–70 cm) at various ports — far below the initially feared 3-metre waves, but enough to cause minor flooding and force precautionary measures at harbours and marine facilities.
By the early hours of Tuesday, authorities — including the national government — began downgrading tsunami warnings to advisories and lifting evacuation orders.
Still, the government issued a fresh advisory urging residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks. Given Japan’s history with devastating quakes, officials warned against complacency.
The Japanese prime minister announced that an emergency task force had been mobilised to assess damage, support affected citizens, and coordinate disaster relief measures.
Nuclear facilities and critical infrastructure in the affected prefectures were inspected. No irregularities were reported, and authorities said the immediate threat to public safety appeared limited.
