The earth shook violently due to strong earthquake tremors, measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale; people rushed out of their homes

A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Hokkaido and Tohoku regions on Friday, causing panic across the northern part of the country. According to NHK, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami warning for the northern Pacific coast. This tremor followed a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck late Monday night, after which aftershock warnings were issued.

Monday Night’s 7.5-Magnitude Earthquake
A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake shook northern Japan at 11:15 PM on Monday night. The tremor was recorded in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 80 kilometers off the coast of Aomori. More than 34 people were injured in the incident.

Prime Minister Takaichi Says ‘Saving Lives is Our Top Priority’
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that relief and rescue operations are underway and damage is being assessed. She said, “We are prioritizing saving lives and working with all our might.”

High Waves Observed in Several Locations
According to the JMA, a tsunami wave of approximately 70 centimeters reached Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture. Waves of up to 50 centimeters were recorded in surrounding coastal towns. NHK reported that local oyster farming rafts sustained minor damage.

800 Homes Without Power, Shinkansen Trains Halted
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said that power supply was disrupted to approximately 800 homes. As a precaution, Shinkansen (bullet train) and several local trains were suspended until Tuesday morning. East Japan Railway later confirmed that services had been restored. Tohoku Electric Power Company reported that power supply had been restored to most areas by Tuesday morning.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of the possibility of aftershocks in the coming days. The agency also said that the risk of a major earthquake of magnitude 8 and a potential tsunami along the northeastern coast, from Chiba (east of Tokyo) to Hokkaido, has “slightly increased.”

People advised to remain vigilant
182 local units in the region have been asked to remain vigilant and review their disaster preparedness plans until next week. The JMA clarified that this is not a “prediction” of a major earthquake, but rather an alert issued as a precaution.