Northern Japan hit by 6.7-magnitude earthquake; Tsunami warning issued

While no serious damage has been reported so far, officials are closely monitoring the situation. The weather agency has urged people to remain vigilant, stay away from beaches, and follow official instructions. The Japanese government has ordered all local authorities to maintain emergency relief and rescue teams.

Tokyo: A strong earthquake struck northern Japan on Sunday evening. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake measured 6.7 on the Richter scale. Following the tremor, the agency issued a tsunami warning and urged people to stay away from coastal areas.

The epicenter was approximately 10 kilometers deep in the ocean off the coast of Iwate Prefecture. No major damage or casualties have been reported so far. There have also been no reports of any malfunctions at the two nuclear power plants located in the area.

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Warning For 1 Meter High Waves

Immediately after the earthquake, the agency issued a warning, stating that tsunami waves up to 1 meter (3 feet) high could hit coastal areas in northern Japan. This warning remained in effect for an hour after the earthquake.

Japan's public broadcaster NHK warned people to stay away from the coast, as new waves could arrive at any time. The agency also said that the area remains vulnerable to aftershocks.

Bullet Trains And Power Outages In Some Areas

According to NHK's report, waves about 10 centimeters (4 inches) high were recorded in Ofunato city and Ominato port in Iwate Prefecture.

Bullet trains (Shinkansen) operating in the region were briefly delayed due to the earthquake, railway operator JR East reported. Power supply was also disrupted in some areas, although it was restored shortly afterward.

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Why Are Earthquakes Frequent In Japan?

Japan experiences frequent earthquakes because it lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active regions on Earth. The country sits at the junction of four major tectonic plates, the Pacific, Philippine Sea, Eurasian, and North American plates, which constantly collide and slide beneath each other, a process called subduction.

This movement creates immense pressure that is released as earthquakes. Deep-sea trenches like the Japan Trench and Nankai Trough make the region especially vulnerable to powerful quakes and tsunamis. Despite this, Japan remains highly prepared with advanced warning systems and earthquake-resistant infrastructure.

In March 2011, a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck Japan in this same region, killing thousands and causing widespread devastation.

An Appeal For Vigilance

While no serious damage has been reported so far, officials are closely monitoring the situation. The weather agency has urged people to remain vigilant, stay away from beaches, and follow official instructions.

The Japanese government has ordered all local authorities to maintain emergency relief and rescue teams.