Magnitude 7.6 Quake Off Northern Japan Prompts Tsunami Alerts and Evacuations

Overview

• USGS measured the offshore earthquake at magnitude 7.6, with the epicenter about 80 kilometers from Misawa in Aomori.
• The Japan Meteorological Agency reported a focal depth of roughly 50 kilometers and issued tsunami alerts for northern coastal regions.
• Authorities ordered evacuations in Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate as waves of up to about three meters are expected.
• Officials warned the tsunami could also reach parts of Russia’s Pacific coastline.
• JMA’s alert map shows higher-level tsunami alerts in red and advisories in yellow, and reports indicate the situation is still being updated.