Magnitude 7.5 Earthquake Strikes Northern Japan, 30 Injured and Thousands Evacuated

Major Earthquake Hits North-Eastern Japan

At least 30 people were injured after a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck north-eastern Japan on Monday night, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.

The powerful quake occurred at 23:15 local time (14:15 GMT) at a depth of 50km (31mi), approximately 80km off the coast of the Aomori region, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Tsunami Warnings and Immediate Impact

The earthquake prompted immediate tsunami warnings, which have since been lifted. Waves reaching 70cm (27in) were observed along the coast.

Evacuation orders were issued for approximately 90,000 residents in affected areas, according to Reuters news agency.

Infrastructure Damage and Power Outages

The Aomori prefectural government reported that around 2,700 homes were left without power following the tremors. East Japan Railway suspended some services along the north-eastern coast as a precautionary measure.

Government Response and Safety Warnings

Authorities have warned that a stronger tremor could occur in the coming days, urging the public to remain on high alert for at least a week, according to local media reports.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed citizens affected by the earthquake, stating: “Reconfirm your daily earthquake preparedness, such as ensuring that you secure furniture, and prepare to evacuate immediately if you feel shaking.”

Emergency Response Measures

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed that the Japanese government has set up a response office within the prime minister’s crisis management centre and convened an emergency team.

“We are making every effort to assess the damage and implement emergency disaster response measures, including rescue and relief operations,” he added.

Nuclear Power Plants Remain Safe

Following the tremors, Tohoku Electric Power reported no irregularities at its Higashidori and Onagawa nuclear power plants as a result of the quake.

Japanese authorities also informed the International Atomic Energy Agency that no irregularities were detected at the disabled Fukushima nuclear power station site.

Fukushima was damaged when a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off the country’s eastern coast on 11 March 2011.

Japan’s Earthquake Risk and History

That 2011 quake, the most powerful ever recorded in Japan, triggered a tsunami which swept over the main island of Honshu, killing more than 18,000 people and wiping entire towns off the map.

High Seismic Activity Zone

Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. It sits on the Ring of Fire and, as a result, experiences about 1,500 earthquakes annually.

Future Earthquake Predictions

Earlier this year, Japan’s earthquake investigation panel said there was a 60-90% chance that a megaquake would occur in the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years.

Worst-case scenarios suggest such an event would cause trillions in damage and potentially kill hundreds of thousands.

Earthquakes along the Nankai Trough—an area of seismic activity which stretches along Japan’s Pacific coast—have already been responsible for thousands of deaths.