At 11:15 p.m. on Monday, a 7.5‑meter quake rattled the Pacific Ocean near Japan’s northernmost prefecture, Aomori. The tremor caused 33 injuries, one of them serious, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. A tsunami that reached 70 centimeters rolled into coastal towns, prompting emergency alerts.
The injuries were mainly caused by falling objects, NHK reported, with people in the affected areas shaken but largely unharmed. Rescue teams moved quickly to assess damage across the region. The quake’s impact extended beyond immediate physical harm.
The tsunami’s height varied across the coastline, with Kuji port in Iwate prefecture measuring up to 70 centimeters, while other communities experienced waves up to 50 centimeters, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. The waves damaged oyster rafts, NHK noted, adding an economic dimension to the disaster. Authorities lifted all tsunami advisories by 6:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed reporters, announcing an emergency task force to evaluate damage urgently. “We are putting people’s lives first and doing everything we can,” she said, underscoring the government’s commitment. Her remarks came as the nation braced for aftershocks.
During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Takaichi pledged that the government would continue its utmost effort and reminded citizens that personal vigilance was essential for survival. The Prime Minister emphasized that protecting lives was a shared responsibility. The statement aimed to calm public anxiety.
The quake struck at approximately 11:15 p.m. in the Pacific Ocean, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) off Aomori’s coast, the northernmost point of Honshu. The U.S. Geological Survey measured the event at 7.6 magnitude and recorded a depth of 44 kilometers (27 miles) beneath the surface. This depth contributed to the tsunami’s scale.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the tsunami’s maximum height was 70 centimeters in Kuji port, with other coastal communities experiencing up to 50 centimeters. The agency also noted damage to oyster rafts, illustrating the quake’s reach into local livelihoods. All tsunami advisories were canceled early Tuesday morning.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated that about 800 homes lost electricity, and Shinkansen bullet trains along with some local lines were suspended in parts of the region during the early hours. East Japan Railway announced plans to resume bullet trains later Tuesday. The power outage highlighted the quake’s infrastructure impact.
Power was largely restored by Tuesday morning, according to Tohoku Electric Power Co., showing a rapid recovery of essential services. The restoration effort was coordinated with local utilities and emergency services. Residents regained electricity as the region moved toward normalcy.
Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi reported that roughly 480 residents were sheltered at Hachinohe Air Base, with 18 defense helicopters mobilized for damage assessment. The military’s involvement underscored the scale of the response. The air base became a critical hub for relief operations.
New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido stranded about 200 passengers overnight, NHK reported, as part of a domestic terminal building became unusable after parts of its ceiling cracked and fell. The incident disrupted travel plans and added logistical challenges to the emergency response. Airport operators worked to secure the area.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority noted that approximately 450 liters (118 gallons) of water spilled from a spent fuel cooling area at the Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori. The spill’s water level remained within normal limits, and the authority stated there was no safety concern. Other nuclear facilities reported no abnormalities.
The Japan Meteorological Agency cautioned residents about potential aftershocks in the coming days, noting a slight increase in risk for a magnitude 8-level quake and possible tsunami along the northeastern coast from Chiba to Hokkaido. The agency urged people in 182 municipalities to monitor emergency preparedness. The warning was not a prediction of a large event.
JMA official Satoshi Harada emphasized, “You need to prepare, assuming that a disaster like that could happen again,” referencing the 2011 magnitude 9.0 quake that devastated the region. Harada’s statement linked the current event to historical context. The message aimed to reinforce vigilance.
Smaller aftershocks continued into Tuesday, with the U.S. Geological Survey reporting a magnitude 6.6 quake and later a 5.1 quake in the hours following the initial tremor. These aftershocks added to the uncertainty and required ongoing monitoring. Residents were advised to remain cautious.
Key Takeaways
- 33 injuries, one serious, mainly from falling objects.
- Tsunami waves up to 70 centimeters damaged coastal infrastructure.
- Power outages affected 800 homes, but electricity largely restored by Tuesday morning.
- Aftershocks, including magnitudes 6.6 and 5.1, continue to be monitored.
- Nuclear spill at Rokkasho was contained with no safety concerns.
As Japan grapples with the aftershocks and the lingering threat of larger tremors, authorities remain focused on restoring normalcy while maintaining heightened vigilance. The nation’s response showcases coordinated efforts across government, military, and local agencies. Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for any further seismic activity.
