Strong Earthquake Hits Northern Japan, Tsunami Warning Issued

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of about 7.5 struck northern Japan, prompting a tsunami warning.

The tremor was recorded off the coast of Iwate Prefecture and was felt as far away as Tokyo, hundreds of kilometres from the epicentre.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency warned of waves of up to 3 m, with an initial wave of around 80 cm already reaching the port of Kuji. Authorities urged residents in coastal areas to evacuate immediately to higher ground and warned of the risk of multiple wave surges.

There have been no immediate reports of widespread damage, but the government has set up a crisis team and is assessing the situation. Experts have also warned of possible aftershocks.

Japan lies along the so-called Ring of Fire and is prone to frequent earthquakes.

(pir)