7.5-magnitude Earthquake Hits Northern Japan, Triggers Tsunami Warning

A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning for waves of up to three metres, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The quake, which occurred in waters near Iwate Prefecture, was recorded at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometres and approximately 100 kilometres off the Sanriku coast. Tremors were reportedly felt hundreds of miles away, including in Tokyo, as emergency systems were activated across affected regions.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a three-metre tsunami warning for coastal areas of Iwate, as well as parts of Hokkaido and Aomori. In other parts of northeastern Japan, authorities issued a tsunami advisory, warning of waves of up to one metre.

Meanwhile, the U. Tsunami Warning System estimated the earthquake’s magnitude at 7.4 and confirmed that the tsunami threat alert was issued at 8:52 UTC (4:52 a.m. ET).

Public broadcaster NHK reported that the earthquake struck about 100 kilometres from the coast, with significant shaking experienced across a wide area.

Japan’s prime minister has urged residents in affected regions to move to safer locations, stressing the need for immediate evacuation to higher ground as a precaution against incoming waves.

Authorities were closely monitoring the situation, while emergency response teams remained on standby amid concerns over potential aftershocks and coastal flooding.