Powerful earthquake strikes northern Japan, tsunami warnings issued

A powerful earthquake measuring between 7.4 and 7.5 in magnitude struck northern Japan on Monday, sending strong tremors across Aomori Prefecture and prompting immediate tsunami warnings along the country’s northeastern coastline.

According to preliminary reports cited by Reuters, the quake triggered alerts for potentially dangerous tsunami waves, with authorities warning that waves could reach up to three meters in height in coastal areas of Aomori.

Emergency officials also cautioned that tsunami waves were expected to reach nearby Iwate Prefecture shortly after the seismic event, raising concerns for communities along the Pacific coast.

Japan, located on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences earthquakes, but events of this magnitude often prompt large-scale emergency responses. Authorities urged residents in affected regions to move to higher ground and follow evacuation instructions as a precaution.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, but officials said assessments were ongoing as emergency services remained on high alert.