Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake Jolts Japan, Tsunami Warning Issued

Tokyo: A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake jolted off the coast of Japan on Monday, triggering a tsunami warning. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), following the earthquake, waves as high as 3 metres were noticed, stirring a panic-like situation. The magnitude 7.6 tremor struck at around 11.15 local time, about 80 km off the Aomori shoreline and 50 km deep, according to the JMA .

As per reports, a tsunami warning has been issued for multiple coastal areas after the earthquake shook the northern and eastern part of Japan, including the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate at around 11.15 pm local time. 

The agency warned that waves could reach 3 metres and urged people in low‑lying areas to move immediately to higher ground and stay there until the alert is officially lifted. “As of 23:23 on the 8th a tsunami warning is currently in effect. Tsunamis will strike repeatedly. Do not leave a safe location until the warning is lifted,” the JMA posted on X .

Initial observations showed 40 cm waves in parts of Aomori and Hokkaido, while Iwate recorded surges of up to 50 cm, Kyodo News reported . The JMA cautioned that larger waves could still arrive along the northeastern coastline, so residents should remain vigilant.

The event follows two earlier earthquakes recorded by India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS). At 7.45 pm, a 7.5 magnitude shock was logged, and a 6 magnitude aftershock occurred at 8.03 pm, both at a depth of 60 km in the North Pacific Ocean . The tremors were also close to Japan’s seismically active north‑east coast.

The local authorities have activated emergency response teams, suspended some train services and are monitoring nuclear facilities, which have reported no abnormalities. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has assured the public that the government is “putting people’s lives first” and that a task force is coordinating relief efforts.

Notably, the Japanese archipelago sits on the volatile ring of fire, making it one of the world’s most earthquake‑prone regions. 

Further details regarding the earthquake are awaited.