7.5-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan Coast, Triggers Tsunami Alert
A strong earthquake struck off the Sanriku coast in northern Japan late afternoon. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami alert after recording a 7.5 magnitude quake. The tremor occurred at about 4:53 p.m. local time, 0753 GMT, and was 10 kilometers deep.
Tsunami observations and warnings
Tsunami readings showed waves of about 80 centimeters at Kuji port in Iwate. Another port in the prefecture registered roughly 40 centimeters. The agency warned some coasts could see surges up to three meters.
Advisories and safety measures
Officials urged people to move away from the shoreline and rivers. They told residents to seek higher ground immediately and beware of aftershocks for about a week. Aomori and southeastern Hokkaido were included in the initial alerts.
Affected areas
Iwate faced the strongest warnings and local advisories. Miyagi and Fukushima received milder tsunami advisories to the south.
- Iwate
- Aomori
- Southeastern Hokkaido
- Miyagi
- Fukushima
Local evacuations and recent quakes
Iwate prefecture issued non-binding evacuation advisories for residents in 11 towns. Authorities warned people to treat advisories seriously even if they were not mandatory. A 7.5 magnitude quake in December previously injured dozens.
Historical context and displacement
The region still bears scars from the March 11, 2011, quake and tsunami. That disaster involved a magnitude 9.0 quake and killed more than 22,000 people. Almost half a million fled their homes, mostly because of tsunami damage.
About 160,000 residents left Fukushima after radiation leaks at the Daiichi plant. Roughly 26,000 of those evacuees have not returned because of resettlement, restricted access, or health concerns.
Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor updates from official agencies. Local authorities asked the public to follow evacuation notices and safety guidance.
