A significant earthquake off the northern coast of Japan has resulted in at least 30 injuries, as reported by authorities. The 7.5 magnitude quake occurred late in the evening, causing extensive damage to roads and resulting in power outages for thousands amid freezing temperatures. The Japan Meteorological Agency indicated that there could be further seismic activity in the coming days.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that injuries were predominantly reported in the Aomori region, where tsunami waves reached heights of up to 70 centimeters. Witness accounts describe a terrifying experience; one civil servant from Hashikami recounted that the tremors felt unlike anything he had previously encountered, lasting approximately 20 seconds.
While there were initial reports of multiple fires following the quake, the government later confirmed only one significant blaze occurred in a residential area. On the main northern island of Hokkaido, some residents experienced a shaking intensity classified as upper six on the Shindo scale, where movement is practically impossible.
With temperatures hovering around freezing, around 2,700 homes lost power, although utility companies worked quickly to restore electricity. Initially, warnings were issued for potential tsunamis up to three meters in height, with around 28,000 people advised to evacuate. Many makeshift shelter facilities reported reaching capacity.
Train services, including the Shinkansen bullet trains, were temporarily suspended as safety checks were conducted on the tracks. Fortunately, no issues were identified at nearby nuclear power facilities.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has advised the public to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks, cautioning that stronger earthquakes could occur. Geologists have stated that historical data suggests large quakes rarely lead to even larger ones within a short timeframe, although unpredictability remains a significant concern.
