- Officials warned that tsunami waves could begin hitting coastal areas almost immediately
- The tremor was strong enough to sway buildings even in Tokyo, hundreds of kilometres away
- Authorities stressed that waves may arrive in multiple surges and cautioned people to remain in safe locations
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 struck northern Japan on Monday, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami alert for waves that could reach up to three metres.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake occurred at about 4:53 pm local time in waters off Iwate Prefecture, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
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The tremor was strong enough to sway buildings even in Tokyo, hundreds of kilometres away.
Officials warned that tsunami waves could begin hitting coastal areas almost immediately.
Residents in shoreline and riverside communities were urged to move quickly to higher ground or designated evacuation centres.
Authorities stressed that waves may arrive in multiple surges and cautioned people to remain in safe locations until the alert is officially lifted.
Initial visuals from NHK showed no immediate signs of major destruction in affected ports, but emergency teams have been placed on standby.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that a crisis response unit had been activated, while efforts were underway to assess potential casualties and damage.
Japan lies along the seismically volatile Pacific Ring of Fire, making it one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. The country experiences roughly 1,500 tremors each year, most of them minor.
Memories remain fresh of the devastating 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which killed about 18,500 people and triggered a nuclear crisis at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
Seismologists have also been closely monitoring the Nankai Trough, a major fault line capable of producing a massive earthquake.
Authorities warn that a future megaquake in the region could result in widespread destruction and significant loss of life.
For now, officials continue to monitor the situation closely while urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions.
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