A very strong earthquake hit off the coast of northern Japan on Monday night. This led to urgent tsunami warnings and forced tens of thousands of people living near the sea to evacuate. The quake, which happened just before midnight, shook several northern regions and caused a rapid, large-scale emergency response. Although the tsunami warnings were later cancelled when only small waves arrived, officials warned that strong aftershocks are likely in the next few days.
The Japan Meteorological Agency measured the earthquake at a magnitude of 7.5. It started about 80 kilometers from the coast of Aomori prefecture, not very deep under the sea. Very quickly, tsunami advisories and more serious warnings were announced for the Pacific coasts of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate. The national broadcaster, NHK, repeatedly interrupted programs with alerts, telling people in certain areas to move to higher ground immediately. This order resulted in approximately 90,000 people evacuating, as communities followed their well-practiced disaster plans.
Soon after the quake, the government set up an emergency task force. The Defense Minister sent 18 military helicopters to check the damage from the air, while other agencies coordinated rescue work. Early reports showed widespread disruption but not catastrophic destruction. The most serious immediate result was a number of injuries; at least 30 people were hurt, mainly from falls or from being hit by falling furniture during the shaking or evacuation.
Damage to infrastructure was noticeable but limited. Around 2,700 homes in Aomori lost power, and several train lines were stopped for safety checks. Small tsunamis were seen at some ports, with the highest wave reaching 70 centimeters. Importantly, nuclear power plants in the area reported no problems, showing the effectiveness of Japan's strict safety rules. However, daily life was seriously disrupted, with hundreds staying in emergency shelters and about 200 travelers stuck overnight at Hokkaido's main airport.
Government officials addressed the nation, stating they were doing everything possible to manage the situation. They also urged people to stay alert and to check their earthquake preparations at home. This event is a clear reminder of Japan's constant exposure to seismic threats. As recovery begins, authorities warn that strong tremors could continue for about a week. While this incident did not cause mass casualties, it successfully tested the country's warning systems and evacuation plans, highlighting the vital importance of being prepared.