7.5-Magnitude Quake Hits Japan

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning for waves up to 3 meters (9.84 ft). The quake's epicenter was in the Pacific Ocean at a depth of 10 km, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Tsunami warnings were issued for Iwate, Aomori, and Hokkaido prefectures.

The tremor measured an 'upper 5' on Japan's seismic intensity scale, strong enough to make it difficult for people to move around. Several port towns, including Otsuchi and Kamaishi—both hard-hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011—issued evacuation orders for thousands of residents. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged citizens in the affected areas to evacuate to safety.

NHK public television reported that tsunami waves as high as 80 cm had been detected within an hour of the quake, and warnings remained for waves up to 3 meters. The JMA warned that tsunamis could cause damage to low-lying areas, flooding buildings and endangering anyone exposed. Bullet train services in Aomori were halted due to the tremors.

Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries, located in the 'Ring of Fire' where several tectonic plates meet. The country experiences about 1,500 earthquakes each year, accounting for almost 18% of the world's seismic activity. There are no nuclear power plants currently in operation in the affected areas.

The quake prompted memories of the devastating magnitude 9 earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan in 2011, killing about 18,500 people and triggering the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Authorities have also raised concerns over the risk of a strong earthquake along the Nankai Trough, an undersea trench south of Japan.