A 7.7 magnitude earthquake occurred off northern Japan at around 4:53 p.m. Japan time.
Two people were injured after falling due to the quake.
A short-lived tsunami alert was issued following the earthquake.
At Kuji port, a tsunami of about 80 centimeters was detected.
A smaller tsunami of 40 centimeters was recorded at another port in Iwate prefecture.
Shinkansen bullet trains connecting Tokyo and northern Japan were temporarily suspended.
The quake occurred at a depth of about 19 kilometers.
The U.S. Geological Survey measured the quake’s strength as 7.4 magnitude.
This incident serves as a reminder of the devastating March 2011 disaster that caused over 22,000 deaths.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated, “The government will do our utmost in case of an emergency.”
Japan’s Meteorological Agency warned, “Tsunami waves are expected to hit repeatedly. Do not leave safe ground until the warning is lifted.”
As of midday, there is a 1% chance for a megaquake in the next week following this event. Details remain unconfirmed.
