Overview
- The Japan Meteorological Agency reported a magnitude 7.6 earthquake at 23:15 local time, centered about 80 kilometers off Aomori at a depth of roughly 50 kilometers.
- Tsunami warnings were issued for Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate, with authorities cautioning waves could reach up to three meters and ordering evacuations in multiple coastal towns.
- The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said coastal areas up to about 1,000 kilometers from the epicenter could face hazards, while initial wave observations of 40–50 centimeters were recorded in Aomori.
- Operators said the Onagawa nuclear plant showed no abnormalities and Hokkaido’s Tomari plant was running normally as broader safety inspections continued.
- Early reports indicated no confirmed casualties or major damage, though thousands of households in Aomori lost power, some rail services were suspended, and a magnitude 5.7 aftershock followed the main quake.