A significant earthquake, registering a magnitude of 7.6, struck north-eastern Japan, prompting widespread evacuation orders for thousands of residents.
The seismic event occurred at 23:15 local time (14:15 GMT), originating at a depth of 50km (31 miles), approximately 80km off the Aomori region’s coast, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Initial tsunami warnings, which have since been rescinded, were issued following the quake. Waves reaching up to 70cm (27in) were observed.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that at least seven individuals have sustained injuries and urged continued vigilance for potential aftershocks throughout the coming week.
Addressing affected citizens, the Prime Minister advised, “Reconfirm your daily earthquake preparedness, such as ensuring that you secure furniture, and prepare to evacuate immediately if you feel shaking.”
Reuters news agency reports that evacuation orders were issued for approximately 90,000 residents in the affected region.
The government has established a response office within the Prime Minister’s crisis management center and convened an emergency task force, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara has announced.
“We are making every effort to assess the damage and implement emergency disaster response measures, including rescue and relief operations,” Kihara added.
Several bullet train services along the north-eastern coastline have been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure.
Tohoku Electric Power has reported no irregularities at the Higashidori and Onagawa nuclear power plants as a result of the earthquake.
Japanese authorities have also informed the International Atomic Energy Agency that no anomalies were detected at the disabled Fukushima nuclear power station site.
The Fukushima plant suffered significant damage following a magnitude 9.0 earthquake off the country’s eastern coast on 11 March 2011.
The 2011 quake, the most powerful ever recorded in Japan, triggered a devastating tsunami that inundated the main island of Honshu, resulting in over 18,000 fatalities and widespread destruction of coastal communities.
Japan is situated in one of the world’s most seismically active regions, experiencing tremors at an average rate of at least every five minutes.
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