Europe Asia News

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the earthquake occurred at 23:15 (GMT 14:15), about 80 km off the coast of Aomori prefecture, at a depth of 50 km (31 miles). Tsunami warnings were lifted, and waves as high as 70 cm (27 inches) were observed.

Some train services were suspended, leaving thousands of households without electricity.

According to local media, authorities also warned that a stronger tremor could occur in the coming days and urged the public to remain on high alert for at least a week.

Addressing residents affected by the earthquake, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said: “Reconfirm your daily earthquake preparations, such as securing your belongings safely, and be ready to evacuate immediately if you feel shaking.”

The Aomori prefectural administration reported that about 2,700 homes were without power. East Japan Railway also suspended some services along the northeastern coast.

Tohoku Electric Power stated that no irregularities were detected at the Higashidori and Onagawa nuclear power plants following the tremors.

Japanese officials informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that no damage was detected at the decommissioned Fukushima nuclear plant.

The magnitude 9.0 earthquake that struck the country’s eastern coast on March 11, 2011 caused severe damage at Fukushima.

That earthquake, the strongest ever recorded in Japan, triggered a tsunami that hit the main island of Honshu, killing more than 18,000 people and wiping many towns off the map.