A very strong magnitude 7.6 earthquake hit Japan late Thursday night local time causing extensive shaking and damage across the country while triggering immediate tsunami warnings. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed the tremor occurred offshore at 11:15 PM local time (2:15 PM GMT), with its epicenter located approximately 50 miles (80 km) off the coast of Aomori prefecture at a depth of 30 miles.
Japan, located in the heart of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. Japan’s geographic location extends almost completely around the Pacific Basin with a ringing arc of volcanoes and oceanic trenches. This unusual geography results in Japan experiencing 20% of the world’s earthquakes of a magnitude 6.0 or greater. On average, a tremor is something that happens every five minutes across the country, showcasing its susceptibility to seismic activity.
Following the initial quake, the JMA warned regional tsunami for Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate prefectures. It’s been reported that all the tsunamis recorded at ports across the region were only 20 to 50 cm (7 to 18 inches) high. Experts had been alarmed that a giant tsunami up to three meters (10 feet) might hit Japan’s northeast shore.
The quake struck Aomori prefecture particularly hard. It recorded a maximum intensity of an “upper six” on Japan’s one-to-seven scale of seismic intensity. This classification means the ground shaking was intense enough to prevent residents from standing or walking without using their hands to crawl. This earthquake’s unprecedented strength has forced officials to issue mandatory evacuation orders across the earthquake-affected areas—safety is paramount when it comes to protecting communities.
Emergency services are currently conducting emergency situation reconnaissance on the ground between response and rescue. Residents in the affected areas should remain alert and heed evacuation orders. The rapid response from the JMA and local authorities reflects Japan’s preparedness for seismic events, a necessary measure given its historical challenges with earthquakes and tsunamis.