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By Hannah Parry, Shane Croucher, John Feng, and Robert Birsel
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A 7.6 magnitude earthquake triggered 10 ft high tsunami warnings for across the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday, the country's meteorological agency said. That tsunami warning has since been cancelled.
At least 20 people were injured and tens of thousands of people were evacuated from the tsunami warning zones. So far, no casualties have been reported while Japanese officials are still assessing the damage.
What To Know
- The quake struck at a depth of around 50 kilometers (31 miles) off the coast of the Aomori Prefecture.
- The U.S. Geological Survey also said it had recorded a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the area and a subsequent 5.5 aftershock.
- Thousands were left without power after the initial quake but it was restored within a number of hours.
- No issues were reported at nuclear power plants in the region run by Tohoku Electric Power and Hokkaido Electric Power.
- Evacuation orders were issued for some of the settlements in the threatened areas including the Pacific coast of Aomori, Iwate, and the central part of the Pacific coast of Hokkaido.
- The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu warned "hazardous" waves were forecast for some coasts of Japan.
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Dec 09, 2025 at 04:40 AM EST
Northern Japan hit by 5.1 magnitude aftershock
An aftershock of 5.1 magnitude struck off Japan’s northeast coast on Tuesday, a day after a powerful 7.6 magnitude quake rocked the region.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the latest significant aftershock struck offshore, 58 miles east of the town of Mutsu, at a depth of 37 miles. There were no reports of damage or casualties and no tsunami warning was issued.
Dec 09, 2025 at 03:02 AM EST
Japan’s mega quake warning explained
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has for the first time issued a warning of a higher than usual possibility of a mega quake in northern Japan in the aftermath of the powerful 7.6 magnitude quake that rocked the region late on Monday.
“If a M7.0 or greater earthquake occurs in or around the probable source region of megaquakes along the Japan and Chishima Trenches, the possibility of a large earthquake is considered to be relatively high,” the JMA said.
“JMA issues Off the Coast of Hokkaido and Sanriku Subsequent Earthquake Advisory in such cases, even though probability based on actual worldwide records is only about 1/100.”
The advisory is issued for 182 municipalities in seven prefectures: 63 in Hokkaido, 28 in Aomori, 23 in Iwate, 35 in Miyagi, 10 in Fukushima, nine in Ibaraki and 14 in Chiba.
These areas are at risk of experiencing a quake measuring a lower 6 or stronger on the Japanese scale of intensity, and a tsunami of 3 meters or higher.
A lower 6 on the Japanese scale is the third from the strongest and would mean it is difficult to remain standing. The upper 6 and 7 levels mean it is impossible to remain standing and people might be thrown through the air
The government created the alert in December 2022 based on the historical records of major subsequent quakes occurring along the Japan Trench and the Chishima Trench following magnitude 7 earthquakes.
The advisory issued on Tuesday is the first one since the warning system was introduced.
Dec 09, 2025 at 02:59 AM EST
Northern Japan hit by 4.6 magnitude aftershock
An aftershock of 4.6 magnitude struck off Japan’s northeast coast on Tuesday, more than 12 hours after the powerful 7.6 magnitude quake struck late on Monday.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the latest significant aftershock struck offshore in the same vicinity as Monday’s quake, at a depth of 29 miles. There were no reports of damage or casualties and no tsunami warning was issued.
Dec 08, 2025 at 11:45 PM EST
Japan Meteorological Agency warns of possible mega quake
The Japan Meteorological Agency says the possibility of a mega quake in northern Japan is higher than usual in the aftermath of the 7.6 magnitude quake that rocked the region late on Monday.
Predicting earthquakes is very difficult and it is not clear that a big earthquake will strike but people along the Pacific coast from Hokkaido to Chiba prefectures should remain on alert over the next week, public broadcaster NHK reported.
“Based on the statistics of earthquakes that have occurred around the world so far, there is a possibility that a large-scale earthquake with a magnitude of 8 or higher could occur as a follow-up earthquake along the Japan Trench and the Chishima Trench off Hokkaido,” Morikubo Tsukasa, the Cabinet Office official for disaster preparedness, told a news conference.
“It is unclear whether a large-scale earthquake will occur. But everyone should heed the call to take precaution to protect their own lives,” he said.
People should check evacuation routes, prepare emergency kits, secure home furniture and ensure backup food, water and portable toilets.
The alert is the first since this category of warning was introduced in 2022, according to NHK.
Dec 08, 2025 at 09:13 PM EST
Japan lifts all tsunami warnings
Japan lifted all of its tsunami advisories early on Tuesday .
Warnings were issued for the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate, and tsunamis from 7 to 27 inches high were observed at several places, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. There were no reports of major damage.
An aftershock of 5.6 magnitude struck just before 7 p.m. ET in the same area that the 7.6 quake struck late on Monday, some 66 miles northeast of the town of Kuji, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
Dec 08, 2025 at 08:00 PM EST
How many earthquakes have struck Japan in the past 24 hours?
Japan was struck by its most powerful earthquake in 2025 on Monday, when a 7.6 magnitude quake occurred in Misawa, in Aomori, Japan.
But it was not the only quake to hit the country. Earthquakes are a fairly common occurrence in Japan and in the past 24 hours, at least ten of magnitude 1.5 or higher, including aftershocks, have struck.
Another 15 have occurred in the past week, according to earthquaketrack.com. 88 earthquakes have struck Japan in the past 30 days.
Dec 08, 2025 at 07:40 PM EST
IN PICTURES: The aftermath of the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan
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Dec 08, 2025 at 07:15 PM EST
WATCH: Moment Japanese streamer is startled by earthquake live on her stream
Dec 08, 2025 at 06:50 PM EST
How many people felt the 6.6 magnitude aftershock?
At least 2 million people felt the powerful aftershock across Japan, according to earthquakelist.com.
Around130,200 of those felt moderately strong shakes, which is expected to have caused a small amount of damage. The rest experienced light shaking with damage unlikely.
Aftershocks are expected to continue after the 7.6 magnitude shake earlier Monday, but are unlikely to exceed the 6.6 aftershock.
Dec 08, 2025 at 06:35 PM EST
Tracing the origins of the Ring of Fire
The term "Ring of Fire" reflects a centuries-old belief, dating back to Ancient Greek and Roman times, that volcanoes were fueled by fire burning within the Earth. Though modern science has disproven this idea, the name persists, symbolizing the fiery imagery long associated with volcanic eruptions.
By the early 19th century, scientists had begun to recognize a belt of volcanic activity encircling the Pacific Ocean. In 1825, volcanologist G.P. Scrope described this chain in his work, and by the mid-1800s, explorers and scholars were referring to the region as a vast circle of volcanic development. Publications like Scientific American and accounts of the Perry Expedition to Japan helped popularize the concept.
In 1912, geologist Patrick Marshall introduced the "Andesite Line," a geological boundary that closely mirrors the Ring of Fire’s path. This line distinguishes volcanic islands by their structure and the composition of their lava.
The modern understanding of the Ring of Fire emerged with the theory of plate tectonics in the 1960s, which explained the region’s intense seismic and volcanic activity as the result of shifting tectonic plates. Today, the Ring of Fire remains one of the most geologically active zones on Earth.
Dec 08, 2025 at 06:20 PM EST
Geologists debate boundaries of the ring of fire
The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped zone of volcanoes, deep ocean trenches, and major tectonic plate boundaries that encircles the Pacific Ocean. While geologists widely agree upon most regions within the Pacific Ring of Fire, several areas remain subject to debate.
Japan sits directly on the eastern edge of the Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active regions on Earth. It sits at the intersection of four major tectonic plates: the Pacific, Philippine Sea, Eurasian, and North American plates.
Meanwhile, Indonesia, sits at the intersection of the Ring of Fire and the Alpide belt—a separate east-west volcanic zone stretching through southern Asia and Europe. Some experts include all of Indonesia in the Ring of Fire, while others exclude its western islands, placing them in the Alpide belt.
Similar disagreements exist over the inclusion of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Though some geologists consider them part of the Ring of Fire, others argue that the rest of Antarctica lacks subduction-related volcanism and should be excluded.
Additionally, the Ring of Fire does not extend across the southern Pacific between New Zealand and South America due to divergent plate boundaries in that region. Islands such as Izu, Bonin, and Mariana are also inconsistently classified, with some geologists including them and others excluding them.
These variations reflect ongoing discussions about how to define the limits of one of Earth’s most active tectonic zones.
Dec 08, 2025 at 06:05 PM EST
Powerful 6.7 magnitude aftershock strikes Japan: What to know
A powerful 6.7 magnitude aftershock has struck Japan, hours after the country was rattled by a 7.6 quake earlier today.
The quake struck the city of Hachinohe, in Aomori, Japan, at around 5 p.m. ET. It was followed by a slightly less powerful 5.1 magnitude aftershock just 6 minutes later.
Aftershocks are minor earthquakes that occur in the same region as a larger seismic event, typically caused by minor shifts along the fault line that initially ruptured. While often less intense, these tremors can still pose risks—especially to areas already weakened by the main quake.
According to The New York Times, aftershocks can occur days, weeks, or even years after the initial earthquake. In rare cases, they may match or exceed the original quake’s magnitude, compounding damage and complicating recovery efforts within a 100-mile radius or more.
Dec 08, 2025 at 06:00 PM EST
Tsunami warning lifted
NOAA's Tsunami Warming System has confirmed that the tsunami warning for part of Japan's northern coast have now been lifted.
Dec 08, 2025 at 05:51 PM EST
Tsunamis cannot be predicted – so how can there be a warning?
Scientists cannot predict the exact timing or location of the next tsunami, but tsunami warning centers can identify earthquakes that may trigger one, NOAA reports. These centers rely on a network of deep-ocean and coastal sea-level monitoring systems to detect tsunamis and assess their potential impact on coastal areas. This data helps authorities make informed decisions about evacuation and other responses.
Since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, tsunami warning systems have seen significant improvements. NOAA researchers continue to refine these systems, aiming to enhance the accuracy of warnings and help communities better prepare for potential threats.
Dec 08, 2025 at 05:30 PM EST
How tsunamis are formed
A tsunami is a series of massive waves triggered by the sudden displacement of ocean water, typically caused by an underwater earthquake, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports. These waves radiate outward in all directions, sometimes spanning entire ocean basins. Unlike wind-driven waves, which only affect the ocean's surface, tsunamis travel through the entire water column, from the ocean floor to the surface.
Most tsunamis are the result of earthquakes occurring along converging tectonic plate boundaries, per NOAA. According to the Global Historical Tsunami Database, more than 80% of tsunamis since 1900 have been caused by seismic activity. However, other factors can also generate tsunamis, including underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions, certain weather events, and potentially even asteroid or comet impacts.
Dec 08, 2025 at 05:15 PM EST
Guidance on what to do in the event of a tsunami
Here is what to do in the event of a tsunami:
- Stay Alert: If you're in a coastal area and feel an earthquake or hear a tsunami warning, take immediate action. Earthquakes are a common precursor to tsunamis.
- Move to Higher Ground: Head to higher ground or an inland area, away from the coastline. A distance of at least one mile or 100 feet of elevation is recommended, if possible.
- Follow Evacuation Orders: Pay attention to local authorities, especially if they issue evacuation orders. They will provide guidance on the safest routes.
- Avoid Beaches and Shorelines: If you are near the beach and feel an earthquake, immediately move away from the shoreline. Tsunamis can arrive within minutes, with waves that may not be immediately obvious.
- Wait for the All-Clear Signal: After reaching safety, wait for official instructions before returning to lower ground. Tsunami waves can arrive in multiple surges, sometimes hours apart.
Dec 08, 2025 at 04:35 PM EST
USGS earthquake intensity map shows quake felt hundreds of miles from epicenter
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Dec 08, 2025 at 03:56 PM EST
YouTuber warns tourists, locals in Tohoku to take precautions amid tsunami threat
YouTuber Chris Broad, whose Abroad in Japan channel has more than 3 million subscribers on YouTube, has warned tourists, visitors and locals along the Pacific coastline in Japan to take precautions in the wake of the earthquake.
"Please be careful if you're in Tohoku this evening folks on the Pacific coastline. After the 7.2+ magnitude earthquake tonight there's been a tsunami advisory. Stay vigilant," he wrote in a post on X.
Broad Broad is an English YouTuber, documentary filmmaker, podcaster, and writer, best known for his YouTube channel where he creates videos about Japanese culture, food, and travel, primarily in the Tōhoku region.
Dec 08, 2025 at 03:45 PM EST
How long does a tsunami last?
A tsunami consists of multiple waves, sometimes spaced 5 minutes to an hour apart, and hazardous conditions can persist long after the first wave.
Impacts may vary greatly depending on coastal geography and tide levels at the time of peak wave arrival.
Individuals caught in tsunami waters may face life-threatening dangers including drowning, injury from debris, and being swept out to sea.
Dec 08, 2025 at 03:25 PM EST
The most powerful earthquakes ever recorded
Earthquakes have reshaped coastlines, triggered deadly tsunamis, and altered history. Here's a look at some of the most significant quakes ever documented by scientists:
- 1960 – Valdivia, Chile (Magnitude 9.5): The strongest earthquake ever recorded, it killed over 1,600 people and displaced millions.
- 1964 – Prince William Sound, Alaska (Magnitude 9.2): Caused massive landslides and a tsunami that reached Hawaii.
- 2004 – Sumatra-Andaman Islands (Magnitude 9.1): Triggered a devastating tsunami that killed more than 280,000 people.
- 2011 – Tōhoku, Japan (Magnitude 9.1): Led to the Fukushima nuclear disaster and widespread destruction.
- 1952 – Kamchatka, Russia (Magnitude 9.0): Generated Pacific-wide tsunami waves, including 30-foot surges in Hawaii.
- 2010 – Maule, Chile (Magnitude 8.8): Shook central Chile and prompted tsunami alerts across the Pacific.
- 1906 – Esmeraldas, Ecuador (Magnitude 8.8): Caused a deadly tsunami that reached as far as San Francisco.
- 1965 – Rat Islands, Alaska (Magnitude 8.7): Produced 35-foot waves but minimal casualties due to its remote location.
- 1950 – Assam-Tibet (Magnitude 8.6): Destroyed villages and caused deadly landslides in Northeast India.
- 2012 – Sumatra, Indonesia (Magnitude 8.6): A powerful offshore quake with limited damage but significant seismic impact.
Dec 08, 2025 at 03:00 PM EST
How Japan’s quake compares with earthquakes around the world
Japan's 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck shortly after 11 p.m. local time on Monday. While information is still coming in about the aftermath and damage, quakes of a similar magnitude around the world have caused devastating damage.
The 7.0 earthquake in Haiti in 2010 killed nearly 160,000 and left millions homeless. The damage was heightened because it hit in a densely populated area with poor building regulations and infrastructure.
However, today's pales in comparison with the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami, in Indonesia, which was a much bigger magnitude, 9.1–9.3, and causes 230,000 deaths across 14 countries.
Comparison with Other Notable Earthquakes:
The 2010 Haiti Earthquake
- Magnitude 7.0
- This earthquake hit near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and caused catastrophic damage, killing over 160,000 people and leaving millions homeless. The major impact came from the earthquake's proximity to a densely populated area and the poor building infrastructure.
The 1999 İzmit Earthquake (Turkey)<
- Magnitude: 7.4
- This earthquake struck northwestern Turkey, including the densely populated city of İzmit, causing widespread destruction and 17,000 deaths. The quake lasted just 37 seconds, but it caused massive damage to buildings and infrastructure, leading to a significant loss of life and economic hardship.<
The 2008 Sichuan Earthquake
- Magnitude 7.9
- The Sichuan quake killed nearly 90,000 people and caused widespread devastation.
The 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami (Indonesia)
- Magnitude: 9.1–9.3
- This earthquake, one of the largest ever recorded, triggered a massive tsunami that affected countries bordering the Indian Ocean, including Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and others. It caused over 230,000 deaths across 14 countries, widespread destruction and remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. The tsunami waves reached up to 100 feet high in some areas.
The 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake (Japan)
- Magnitude: 9.0
- Approximately 16,000 deaths and over 2,500 missing after this earthquake, followed by a powerful tsunami, caused massive destruction in northeastern Japan. The tsunami caused extensive damage to coastal areas and led to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. It was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded, with far-reaching consequences for Japan and global nuclear energy policy.
The 2011 Christchurch Earthquake
- Magnitude 6.3
- A smaller quake than 7.0, but it was deadly because of its shallow depth and proximity to the city. It killed 185 people and caused widespread destruction.
Dec 08, 2025 at 02:45 PM EST
Understanding aftershocks: What follows a major earthquake
Aftershocks are minor earthquakes that occur in the same region as a larger seismic event, typically caused by minor shifts along the fault line that initially ruptured. While often less intense, these tremors can still pose risks—especially to areas already weakened by the main quake.
According to The New York Times, aftershocks can occur days, weeks, or even years after the initial earthquake. In rare cases, they may match or exceed the original quake’s magnitude, compounding damage and complicating recovery efforts within a 100-mile radius or more.
Dec 08, 2025 at 02:33 PM EST
Where were tsunami warnings issued today?
After today’s powerful earthquake in northern Japan, tsunami warnings were issued for several regions along the Pacific coast. Authorities placed Aomori Prefecture, Iwate Prefecture, and parts of Hokkaido’s Pacific coastline under immediate alert following the magnitude-7.6 quake. These areas were considered at highest risk because of their proximity to the offshore epicenter.
Initial forecasts warned that waves could reach up to 3 meters, prompting evacuations and emergency broadcasts across coastal communities. Although the maximum observed waves were smaller—about 27 inches in Iwate Prefecture and 15–19 inches in Aomori and Hokkaido—officials urged residents to stay away from the shoreline until an official all-clear was issued due to the possibility of additional waves or strong aftershocks.
Dec 08, 2025 at 02:00 PM EST
WATCH: Footage shows Japanese office shaking amid the powerful earthquake
Dec 08, 2025 at 01:45 PM EST
Japan’s PM closely monitoring damage after 7.6 magnitude quake
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that her government is closely monitoring the damage after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the country.
Takaichi warned residents along the central Hokkaido Pacific coastal area, the Aomori Prefecture Pacific coastal area, and Iwate Prefecture to evacuate after a tsunami warning was issued.
"Please evacuate immediately to safe locations such as high ground or evacuation buildings," she said in a post on X.
"Even after the tsunami arrives, the second and third waves may become larger and reach the area, so please pay close attention to tsunami information and do not leave safe locations until the warning is lifted."
Dec 08, 2025 at 01:30 PM EST
Hundreds of flights delayed after powerful earthquake rattles north Japan
Hundreds of flights have been delayed, and dozens have been cancelled after a powerful earthquake shook Japan on Monday.
At least 29 flights were cancelled going in or out of Tokyo International Airport, also known as Haneda Airport, while 203 flights were delayed, according to flight tracker FlightAware.com.
Another 86 flights were delayed and 15 were cancelled at Fukuoka Airport, and 69 were delayed and 13 were cancelled at Osaka Itami Airport.
Dec 08, 2025 at 01:14 PM EST
What is the Ring of Fire?
Japan sits atop the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where the Pacific Plate interacts with several others, such as the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. This tectonic setting generates around 1,500 earthquakes per year in Japan—roughly 18 percent of the world’s seismic activity—making it among the most earthquake-prone countries globally.
Major earthquakes in Japan can also trigger deadly tsunamis and widespread destruction as witnessed in 2011 when a 9.0 magnitude quake led to catastrophic loss of life and a nuclear disaster in Fukushima.
Japan's "complex coastline is vulnerable to tsunamis," Tokyo's foreign ministry has said.
Dec 08, 2025 at 01:00 PM EST
What was the longest earthquake ever recorded?
On December 26, 2004, a massive undersea earthquake measuring between magnitude 9.1 and 9.3 struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, rupturing for nearly 10 minutes in what scientists called the longest quake ever recorded.
The tremor unleashed a devastating tsunami across the Indian Ocean that killed an estimated 227,000 people in 14 countries, from Indonesia and Sri Lanka to Thailand and Somalia.
Entire coastal communities were washed away, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history. The quake's extraordinary duration and destructive waves prompted a global humanitarian response and spurred efforts to expand tsunami warning systems worldwide.
Dec 08, 2025 at 12:45 PM EST
Where was the epicenter of Japan’s earthquakes today?
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck today off the east coast of Honshu, Japan, around 45.2 miles from Misawa in north Japan, according to earthquaketrack.com
It occurred around 31 miles below sea level.
A total of 10,331 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or above have struck within 186 miles of Japan in the past 10 years, which works out to an average of just over 1,000 a year or 86 per month, according to earthquaketrack.com.
However, earthquakes of a magnitude of 7 or above are rarer. Today's earthquake is the first quake to measure above 7 this year.
Dec 08, 2025 at 12:30 PM EST
Japan issued ‘megaquake’ warning
The Japanese government has warned of catastrophic economic damage and nearly 300,000 deaths when the next "megaquake" hits the archipelagic nation.
Japan lies along the circum-Pacific seismic belt, better known as the "Ring of Fire," located along the outer edges of the Pacific Ocean, where about 81 percent of the largest earthquakes in the world occur, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Quake-prone Japan's four main islands and its outlying islands sit on five major and minor tectonic plates on the Earth's crust—Amur, Okhotsk, Pacific, Philippine Sea, and Okinawa—which are slowly moving, and earthquakes are concentrated along their boundaries.
On March 11, 2011, the 9.0-magnitude Great East Japan Earthquake struck the country, making it the largest earthquake ever recorded in Japan. The unprecedented disaster triggered a tsunami and caused a nuclear accident, killing at least 19,729 people.
In the latest report prepared by a Japanese government earthquake task force, it was estimated that up to 298,000 people could be killed in a Nankai Trough megaquake with a magnitude of 8-9. The casualties would include 215,000 deaths caused by tsunami waves, the report said.
A Nankai Trough earthquake has struck Japan every 100 to 150 years—and experts have long feared that another could hit there in the near future. The last confirmed temblors linked to the trough were recorded in 1944 and 1946, hitting the country's central to southwestern region.
At nearly 300,000, Tokyo's current estimate of the potential loss of life is down by 10 percent from the previous report released in 2012, while projected economic losses rose to $1.8 trillion from $1.4 trillion.
There is a 70-80 percent chance of a megaquake occurring within 30 years, the Japanese government estimated. In a worst-case scenario, some regions could experience the highest level of 7 on Japan's seismic intensity scale, as well as tsunami waves rising over 98 feet, according to official estimates.
Read in full: Japan Issues New ‘Megaquake’ Warning
Dec 08, 2025 at 12:14 PM EST
NOAA map shows area of North Japan under tsunami threat warning
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Dec 08, 2025 at 12:00 PM EST
NOAA gives update on tsunami warning for US West Coast
NOAA's Tsunami Warning Center has said that Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, and British Columbia, are not at risk from a tsunami following Japan's major earthquake Monday.
Some of the areas may still experience sea level changes but they will not be at a tsunami level or damage.
Dec 08, 2025 at 11:45 AM EST
Today’s earthquake is estimated to have caused between 1 and 100 million in economic losses
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Dec 08, 2025 at 11:36 AM EST
Japan braces for up to 10 ft high tsunami after earthquake
A 10 ft-high tsunami could hit Japan's north-eastern coast following a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck offshire at 11.15 p.m. local time, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.
Tsunami warnings have been issued for the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate, while tsunami warnings from between 7 to 18 inches high have also been issued at multiple ports. Residents along the effected coastlines have been ordered to evacuate.
Dec 08, 2025 at 11:17 AM EST
WATCH: Video captures moment powerful earthquake struck Hokkaido, Japan
Dec 08, 2025 at 10:57 AM EST
New map shows how far Japan’s 7.6 magnitude earthquake was felt
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Dec 08, 2025 at 10:38 AM EST
Japanese people share experiences of huge earthquake today: “just so long”
Several people who experienced the huge quake in Japan's Aomori spoke to Kumamoto about what happened to them.
“When I was asleep, there was a sudden upward thrust, and after that it shook both vertically and horizontally for a long time," said a man in his 40s living in Hachinohe City on the Pacific coast to the publication, originally in Japanese.
Another man in his 60s who works in a business hotel said: "“The lateral shaking continued for about 30 seconds, and drawers opened and things fell down. The guests evacuated outside once, but since a tsunami warning was issued, we had them evacuate to the top floor.”
A third man in his 30s in Aomori City said: “It felt like it shook for about three minutes — it was just so long. The TV in my room fell over and cracked.”
Dec 08, 2025 at 10:27 AM EST
Several injured at hotel in Aomori, worker says
A hotel worker in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, told the Japanese broadcaster NHK that it "seems there are several injured people, and we are currently calling ambulances and responding to the situation."
"It appears that everyone is conscious," they said.
The employee also described the shaking: “There was an initial jolt that felt like a vertical thrust, and then it shifted to horizontal shaking. I was working at the time and was holding down a shelf that contains various items. I think the shaking lasted about a minute.
"Some things fell from the shelves, but as far as I know, there hasn’t been any structural damage to the building so far.”
Dec 08, 2025 at 10:11 AM EST
Japan’s nuclear power stations see no abnormalities after earthquake
There were no abnormalities detected at the Fukushima, Higashidori, or Onagawa nuclear plants, Japan's Kyodo News reported.
A 2011 earthquake caused a major nuclear disaster at Fukushima.
Dec 08, 2025 at 10:01 AM EST
USGS issues “yellow” alert after huge earthquake off Japan
The USGS said there is a yellow alert for economic losses following the 7.6 earthquake off the coast of northeastern Japan, as tsunami waves threaten the eastern coastline.
"Some damage is possible and the impact should be relatively localized," the USGS says.
"Estimated economic losses are less than 1 percent of GDP of Japan. Past events with this alert level have required a local or regional level response."
There was a green alert for "shaking-related fatalities," meaning there is a low-likelihood.
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