Japan Hit By Powerful 7.5-Magnitude Quake That Triggered Tsunami, Injured Dozens
A devastating earthquake struck off Japan's northern coast on Monday night, measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale and triggering a tsunami that injured at least 23 people. The quake, which occurred around 11:15 p.m., was felt throughout the region and caused widespread damage.
The epicenter of the earthquake was approximately 80 kilometers off the coast of Aomori, Japan's northernmost prefecture, with the Pacific Ocean below it. Authorities have warned that there may be aftershocks and an increased risk of a megaquake in the coming days.
A tsunami warning was issued for parts of the region, with waves reaching up to 70 centimeters (2 feet) in Kuji port in Iwate prefecture and as high as 50 centimeters elsewhere. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that several people were injured in hotels and homes due to falling objects, while others suffered minor injuries from accidents.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara has urged residents in the affected areas to seek higher ground or shelter until advisories are lifted. About 800 homes have lost power, with the Shinkansen bullet trains suspended in parts of the region.
Nuclear safety officials reported a spill of about 450 liters (118 gallons) of water from a spent fuel cooling area at the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant, but its water level remained within normal parameters. The Nuclear Regulation Authority stated that there was no immediate safety concern.
About 480 residents were taking shelter at the Hachinohe Air Base, and 18 defense helicopters were mobilized for damage assessment by Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Meanwhile, about 200 passengers were stranded overnight at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido.
The meteorological agency has issued a caution about possible aftershocks in the coming days, citing an increased risk of a magnitude 8-level quake and tsunami along Japan's northeastern coast. Residents in 182 municipalities are being urged to monitor their emergency preparedness over the next week.
For many people, Monday night will be a day they never forget as they recounted the experience of the massive earthquake. Satoshi Kato, vice principal of a public high school in Hachinohe, was at home when the quake hit, saying "Glasses and bowls fell and smashed into shards on the floor."
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has established an emergency task force to assess the damage, emphasizing that people's lives are being put first. She urged residents to pay attention to the latest information from local municipalities, warning them to be prepared for immediate evacuation if they feel a tremor.
This quake comes at a time when the Japanese coast is still reeling from the devastating 2011 magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that killed nearly 20,000 people and destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
A devastating earthquake struck off Japan's northern coast on Monday night, measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale and triggering a tsunami that injured at least 23 people. The quake, which occurred around 11:15 p.m., was felt throughout the region and caused widespread damage.
The epicenter of the earthquake was approximately 80 kilometers off the coast of Aomori, Japan's northernmost prefecture, with the Pacific Ocean below it. Authorities have warned that there may be aftershocks and an increased risk of a megaquake in the coming days.
A tsunami warning was issued for parts of the region, with waves reaching up to 70 centimeters (2 feet) in Kuji port in Iwate prefecture and as high as 50 centimeters elsewhere. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that several people were injured in hotels and homes due to falling objects, while others suffered minor injuries from accidents.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara has urged residents in the affected areas to seek higher ground or shelter until advisories are lifted. About 800 homes have lost power, with the Shinkansen bullet trains suspended in parts of the region.
Nuclear safety officials reported a spill of about 450 liters (118 gallons) of water from a spent fuel cooling area at the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant, but its water level remained within normal parameters. The Nuclear Regulation Authority stated that there was no immediate safety concern.
About 480 residents were taking shelter at the Hachinohe Air Base, and 18 defense helicopters were mobilized for damage assessment by Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Meanwhile, about 200 passengers were stranded overnight at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido.
The meteorological agency has issued a caution about possible aftershocks in the coming days, citing an increased risk of a magnitude 8-level quake and tsunami along Japan's northeastern coast. Residents in 182 municipalities are being urged to monitor their emergency preparedness over the next week.
For many people, Monday night will be a day they never forget as they recounted the experience of the massive earthquake. Satoshi Kato, vice principal of a public high school in Hachinohe, was at home when the quake hit, saying "Glasses and bowls fell and smashed into shards on the floor."
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has established an emergency task force to assess the damage, emphasizing that people's lives are being put first. She urged residents to pay attention to the latest information from local municipalities, warning them to be prepared for immediate evacuation if they feel a tremor.
This quake comes at a time when the Japanese coast is still reeling from the devastating 2011 magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that killed nearly 20,000 people and destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
just saw dis report about japan gettin hit by a major 7.5 quake 
it's crazy how much damage is happenin 
and alot of peeples injured 
like, what a scary night for dem 
the gov is doin everythin they can to help 
but still, its all about keepin peeples safe 
800 homes lost power 
wut r de chances of dis region gettin hit agen 
️. And don't even get me started on insurance, folks! Get that sorted ASAP 
. It's not just about the physical damage; your mental health is gonna take a hit too 
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Like, who doesn't know that Japan's near an active volcano?! 
It was only a matter of time before another disaster hit. And now it seems like they're dealing with aftershocks and a megaquake risk 
. Poor people are having to evacuate their homes and shelters... again 
. I mean, can we just say that Japan is cursed or something? 
But seriously though, 800 homes without power and the Shinkansen trains suspended? That's just crazy 
.
. and its not jus the injurys u no... homes lost power nd shinkansen trains suspended 
. its kinda crazy cuz japan just wen thru a major disaster in 2011 n now dis 
while watching the news, really hope no one was too badly hurt 
got to be super careful out there. Wonderin' what they're gonna find when the experts go check it out. Hopefully no major issues at the nuclear plant 