❓WHAT HAPPENED: A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Japan, causing injuries, minor damage, and a tsunami along its Pacific coast.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Japanese authorities, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, and the Japan Meteorological Agency.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The quake occurred late Monday night near Aomori, Japan, with tsunami waves affecting nearby coastal regions.
💬KEY QUOTE: “We are putting people’s lives first and doing everything we can.” – Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
🎯IMPACT: Injuries were reported, power was disrupted, and transportation services were temporarily suspended. Authorities are monitoring for aftershocks.
Japan is gauging regional damage in the aftermath of a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck late Monday night. The quake caused injuries, minor damage, and a tsunami along the Pacific coast. Authorities are warning residents about potential aftershocks as emergency teams continue to evaluate the situation.
The quake, recorded at 7.5 magnitude by Japanese authorities and 7.6 by the U.S. Geological Survey, occurred at 11:15 PM in the Pacific Ocean. Its epicenter was located 80 kilometers off the coast of Aomori, with a depth of 44 kilometers. Tsunami waves up to 70 centimeters were recorded at Kuji port in Iwate prefecture, while other coastal areas saw waves of up to 50 centimeters.
According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, most injuries were caused by falling objects in homes and businesses. The country’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that at least 34 people were injured, with one person in serious condition. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the formation of an emergency task force, stating, “We are putting people’s lives first and doing everything we can.”
Approximately 800 homes lost power, and Shinkansen bullet trains were suspended in parts of the region. Power was mostly restored by Tuesday morning, according to Tohoku Electric Power Co. About 480 residents sought shelter at Hachinohe Air Base, and 18 defense helicopters were deployed for damage assessment. Some 200 passengers were stranded overnight at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido due to structural damage in a terminal building.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority reported a 450-liter water spill at the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant, but confirmed that no safety concerns were raised. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a warning of possible aftershocks and urged residents to remain prepared, citing a slight increase in the risk of a magnitude 8-level earthquake. Smaller aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.6 and 5.1, were recorded in the hours following the initial quake.
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