A 7.6‑magnitude earthquake struck off Japan’s coast on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings for Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate with waves expected to reach up to three metres.
Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake Hits Japanese Coast
A 7.6‑magnitude quake struck off Japan’s coast on Mon. 8 Dec at 23:15 local time, 80 km from Aomori’s shoreline and 50 km beneath sea level.
Tsunami Warnings Issued for Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of tsunami danger for the three prefectures, urging residents to evacuate coastal areas.
Waves Expected to Rise Up to Three Metres
Officials said the eastern coast could see waves as high as three metres. In Aomori, a 40‑centimetre surge has already been recorded.
Shake Felt in Tokyo
Residents in Tokyo reported tremors, though the epicentre was over 80 km away from the capital.
Japan’s Vulnerability on the Pacific Ring of Fire
Japan lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, where about 20 % of all magnitude‑6 or greater earthquakes occur. The area saw the 2011 Tōhoku quake, a 9.1‑magnitude event that created a tsunami damaging the Fukushima nuclear plant.