Asia-Pacific

Magnitude 7.5 Earthquake Shakes Northern Japan, Injuring 30

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By Howard Chang/Irene Lin

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A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan on Monday night, triggering tsunamis across the coastline. At least 30 injuries were recorded from falling objects. Officials are now urging the public to watch out for a potential megaquake.

REPORTER:  

A magnitude 7.5 quake shook northern Japan in the middle of the night.

 

Earthquake sirens echoed throughout the region, waking up residents and urging them to get to safety.

 

Dozens of people were injured by fallen objects, including one man whose car fell into a sinkhole. 90 thousand people were ordered to evacuate.

 

Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae said an emergency response office was activated minutes after the tremor, and it’s keeping close tabs on regional damage.

 

We have so far received reports of 30 injuries and one residential fire. We are continuing efforts to release information on the relevant damage.

 

The quake struck off the eastern coast of Aomori prefecture in northern Japan, triggering tsunamis as high as 70 centimeters in some areas.

 

Local weather officials said the waves posed no immediate danger, and lifted tsunami warnings after a few hours, but they’re urging the country to stay vigilant, as strong aftershocks may strike at any moment.

 

Please remain vigilant for earthquakes of similar scale to this one measuring over level 6 out of 7 for up to the next week, and in particular over the next two to three days.

 

Japan wasn’t the only country to experience an overnight earthquake. On Taiwan’s east coast, a magnitude 5.7 quake struck only three hours before the one in Japan.

 

The central weather administration told TaiwanPlus that the two quakes are too far apart and are likely unrelated, and any more quakes near Japan will not affect Taiwan.

 

Japan’s quake was 2,700 kilometers away from Taiwan, so its impact likely won’t reach Taiwan. Neither will the tsunamis.

 

That didn’t stop Taiwanese officials from offering support. Posting on X, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said the country is ready to provide aid to Japan if needed.

 

This is the first time Japanese authorities have issued a post-earthquake warning for a possible follow-up tremor.

 

With a megaquake equivalent to a magnitude 8 expected, residents will be on alert for an even bigger seismic event to come.