BREAKING: Strong 6.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Japan, Tsunami Advisory Issued

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.7 struck off the coast of northern Japan on Thursday, shaking the regions of Hokkaido and Tohoku and prompting authorities to issue a tsunami advisory.

Key Details:

Epicenter: The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported the quake’s epicenter was off the coast of Fukushima prefecture in the Pacific Ocean, at a relatively shallow depth.

Intensity: Strong shaking, registered at a lower 6 on Japan’s 7-point seismic intensity scale in parts of Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures, was felt across a wide area. Tremors were felt as far away as the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Immediate Impact: Initial reports indicate no major structural damage, but officials are assessing the situation. There are reports of scattered power outages and disruptions to some local train services as a precaution. Bullet train services in the region were temporarily halted.

Tsunami Advisory: The JMA immediately issued a tsunami advisory for coastal areas of Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures, warning of waves up to 1 meter (approximately 3 feet). Residents in low-lying areas were urged to evacuate to higher ground. No major wave impact has been confirmed at this time.

Nuclear Plants: Operators of nuclear power plants in the region, including the Fukushima Daiichi plant (currently decommissioned), have reported no abnormalities. All facilities are monitoring for any issues.

Official Statements & Response:

Prime Minister’s Office: The government has set up a crisis management team. Chief Cabinet Secretary urged citizens in advisory zones to evacuate promptly and avoid the coast.

Local Authorities: Municipalities in the affected prefectures are activating evacuation centers and conducting safety checks on infrastructure.

Context & Background:

Japan, situated on the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations. The Tohoku region, in particular, was devastated by a massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, which triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Today’s event is a stark reminder of the constant seismic threat facing the country. The swift issuance of the tsunami advisory highlights Japan’s advanced early warning systems and disaster preparedness protocols, refined in the wake of past tragedies.

What’s Next:

The tsunami advisory remains in effect until the JMA confirms the threat has passed.
Aftershocks are likely, and residents are being cautioned.
Damage assessments are ongoing across the affected regions.

Raga Zone will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates. Citizens in affected areas should follow instructions from local authorities and refer to official JMA broadcasts.

— Reporting by the Raga Zone News Desk, with inputs from Japanese meteorological and news agencies.