A powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off Japan’s northern Aomori coast late Monday, injuring at least 30 people, damaging roads, and cutting power to thousands in freezing weather.
The quake, initially measured at 7.6, hit at 11:15 pm local time and triggered tsunami waves up to 70 cm. Authorities warned of possible strong aftershocks in the coming days.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the injuries and said one person in Hokkaido was seriously hurt. Around 28,000 people were advised to evacuate, though most tsunami warnings were lifted after several hours.
Residents described intense shaking lasting about 20 seconds. Footage showed roads cracked open, goods falling from shelves, and broken glass scattered in several areas.
About 2,700 homes lost electricity overnight, but most had power restored by Tuesday morning. Shinkansen services were briefly suspended for safety checks.
No abnormalities were reported at the Higashidori or Onagawa nuclear plants.
Japan experiences frequent earthquakes due to its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” Experts said more quakes are possible but noted that major quakes followed by a larger one are rare.
The country still remembers the 2011 magnitude-9.0 disaster that triggered a massive tsunami, killing thousands and causing the Fukushima nuclear meltdown.
