Overview
- The Japan Meteorological Agency reported a magnitude 7.6 earthquake at about 11:15 p.m. local time, centered roughly 80 km off Aomori at a depth near 50 km, with upper 6 shaking recorded in Aomori.
- Tsunami warnings were issued for Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate, with observed waves of roughly 20–50 centimeters at multiple ports and forecasts warning of possible surges up to 3 meters.
- Authorities ordered large-scale coastal evacuations, with reports indicating tens of thousands of residents told to move to higher ground.
- Early damage reports included injuries and fires in Aomori, power interruptions, and suspension of Tohoku Shinkansen service between Fukushima and Shin-Aomori as checks proceeded on tracks and infrastructure.
- Nuclear operators reported no abnormalities at regional plants as inspections continued, and officials warned of additional waves and potentially strong aftershocks in the coming days.