Magnitude 7.2 Earthquake Strikes Off Northern Japan, Triggers Tsunami Alert

A powerful earthquake registering a magnitude 7.2 struck off the northern coast of Japan on Monday, prompting immediate tsunami warnings for coastal areas of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures.

The epicenter was located offshore, about 50 kilometers beneath the sea surface, causing strong seismic waves felt across a broad region.

In response, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami alert warning that waves up to three meters (approximately ten feet) could strike coastal communities along the northeast coast. Residents in low-lying and coastal zones were urged to evacuate to higher ground while local authorities and disaster-response teams mobilized to assess risks and coordinate safety measures.

The earthquake’s timing and intensity have triggered safety checks at nuclear power facilities in the region, as a precaution against possible structural or radiological hazards. Meanwhile, coastal monitoring remains active to track sea-level changes and wave movements in the coming hours.

Officials have emphasized that all residents in potential impact zones follow evacuation orders and stay tuned to official sources for updates. The event has once again underlined the seismic vulnerability of northern Japan, a region long accustomed to earthquakes and tsunamis, and the importance of preparedness and robust early-warning systems.

Source:
Al Jazeera; Associated Press; Reuters