TOKYO, Dec 8 – A strong 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Japan late Monday, triggering evacuation orders for nearly 90,000 residents and initial tsunami warnings that were later downgraded to advisories. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported the epicenter 80 km off Aomori prefecture at a depth of 54 km. Tsunami waves of 20 to 70 cm were observed at several ports.
In Hachinohe city, Aomori, the tremor registered as “upper 6” on Japan’s 1–7 intensity scale, making it difficult for people to stand and causing damage to heavy furniture and wall tiles. Public broadcaster NHK reported minor injuries, with seven people taken to hospital, all conscious.
Authorities warned of possible aftershocks and a “megaquake” advisory was issued for northern and eastern Japan. Nuclear power plants in the region reported no irregularities, while East Japan Railway suspended some services temporarily.
The earthquake briefly weakened the yen, which later recovered, and served as a reminder of Japan’s location along the “Ring of Fire,” accounting for nearly 20% of global earthquakes above magnitude 6.0. Lessons from the 2011 9.0-magnitude quake and tsunami informed current evacuation and advisory measures.
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