Massive Earthquake Sparks Tsunami Warning in Northern Japan
Northern Japan faces seismic upheaval, tsunami cautions issued as 7.4-magnitude earthquake impacts coastal communities.
7.4-Magnitude Quake Shakes Northern Japan
Northern Japan was struck by a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake on Monday, triggering a tsunami warning for waves of up to three meters, according to Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Read More: How to Protect Yourself During an Earthquake
The earthquake, which occurred at 4:53 pm (0753 GMT) in Pacific waters off northern Iwate prefecture, caused strong tremors felt as far away as Tokyo, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter.
Tsunami Waves Recorded
Approximately 40 minutes after the quake, an 80-centimeter tsunami wave was recorded hitting the port of Kuji in Iwate, said the JMA. The agency issued urgent warnings to residents in coastal and riverside areas, urging them to evacuate immediately to safer locations such as high ground or designated evacuation buildings. "Evacuate immediately from coastal regions and riverside areas to a safer place such as high ground or an evacuation building," the JMA advised, adding that repeated tsunami waves were expected. "Do not leave safe ground until the warning is lifted."
No Immediate Damage Reported
National broadcaster NHK aired footage showing no immediate visible damage around ports in Iwate. However, a JMA official cautioned during a televised briefing that additional quakes could hit the area. Meanwhile, the prime minister's office set up a crisis management team to monitor the situation and provide assistance.
"For those of you who live in areas for which the warnings have been issued, please evacuate to higher, safer places such as higher ground," Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged. She added that the government was working to confirm any casualties or property damage that may have resulted from the earthquake and tsunami.
Japan’s Seismic Vulnerability
The island nation is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, sitting atop four major tectonic plates along the Pacific "Ring of Fire." With a population of approximately 125 million, Japan experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually, accounting for roughly 18 percent of the world's seismic activity. Although most tremors are mild, their impact can vary significantly depending on their location and depth.
2011 Disaster Haunts Japan
Japan is still haunted by the devastating memory of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster. The 9.0-magnitude undersea quake caused waves that killed about 18,500 people and led to a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant. The event remains one of the worst natural disasters in the country's history.
The Nankai Trough Threat
Concerns have also grown over the possibility of a "megaquake" along the Nankai Trough, a large undersea trench located where the Philippine Sea tectonic plate slowly subducts beneath the continental plate on which Japan sits. In 2024, the JMA issued its first special advisory warning of a potential megaquake in the trench. A government report suggested such a quake and subsequent tsunami could result in up to 298,000 deaths and $2 trillion in damages.
Although the advisory was lifted after a week, it triggered widespread panic among residents, leading to the panic-buying of staples like rice and cancellations of holiday hotel reservations. Similar fears resurfaced in December 2025, following a magnitude-7.5 tremor off Japan's northern coast. That earthquake caused tsunami waves of up to 70 centimeters, injuring over 40 people but causing no major damage.
Ongoing Preparedness
Monday’s quake puts the spotlight once again on Japan’s vulnerability to seismic events and the preparations required to minimize casualties and damage. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as aftershocks remain a possibility in the affected areas.
This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here
AI contributed to the creation of this article.