Japan faces heightened seismic risk after a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off Aomori late Monday night.
The tremor injured at least 33 people and triggered tsunami waves that reached 70 centimetres in several coastal towns. Officials urged residents to remain alert and prepare evacuation plans as the Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest-level warning for a possible megaquake.
The quake hit around 11:15 p.m. in the Pacific Ocean, about 50 miles from Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Honshu. Authorities ordered nearly 90,000 residents to move to higher ground, causing traffic jams and accidents during the evacuation rush. Nuclear power plants in the northeastern region, including Fukushima Daiichi, paused operations to conduct urgent safety checks.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the nation and emphasised the importance of vigilance. She urged citizens to secure emergency supplies and review evacuation routes. The government continues to assess damage from the quake and tsunami waves.
The megaquake warning marks the first time Japan has activated this top-tier alert since introducing the system in 2022. A megaquake, defined as a tremor of magnitude 8.0 or greater, could unleash devastating tsunamis along Japan’s Pacific coast. Experts caution that aftershocks may continue for a week, increasing the risk of further damage.
Japan lies on the Ring of Fire, a region responsible for nearly 20 per cent of the world’s earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or greater.
