A Night of Turmoil as a 7.5 Quake Strikes

A powerful earthquake shook northern Japan late Monday, plunging several prefectures into chaos as buildings trembled, windows shattered and residents fled into the icy night. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed the magnitude at 7.5, adjusting it slightly from the initial 7.6, and noted that the long and forceful shaking triggered widespread emergency smartphone alerts across Hokkaido and Tohoku.

Terrifying Moments Captured on Video

Online platforms quickly filled with dramatic visuals of the quake. Footage from Hachinohe and Takizawa reveals aquariums splashing violently, glass crashing to the floor and water gushing from upper levels “like a waterfall,” according to one shop owner. At Aomori Asahi Broadcasting’s Hachinohe office, cameras recorded the newsroom jolting mid-broadcast as the tremors hit.
Authorities confirmed at least 30 injuries across Aomori, Hokkaido and surrounding regions, many caused by falling debris. One vehicle plunged into a split in the roadway, and multiple buildings showed significant exterior damage. A Hachinohe convenience store owner told NHK, “I’ve never experienced such a big shaking,” though he expressed relief that power in his area remained intact.

Tsunamis, Outages and Emergency Evacuations

Tsunami Waves Spark Urgent Alerts

The quake triggered tsunami waves reaching up to 70 cm in Kuji Port, Iwate, with smaller waves appearing across Aomori and Hokkaido. Initial warnings had predicted surges up to three meters, but advisories were gradually lifted by early Tuesday. More than 28,000 people were instructed to evacuate, filling shelters quickly as freezing temperatures gripped the region.

Power Disruptions and Transport Impact

Approximately 2,700 homes in Aomori temporarily lost power overnight, with most electricity restored by morning. Parts of the Tohoku Shinkansen suspended service for safety inspections, while around 200 travelers were stranded at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido.
Government officials confirmed no major issues at nuclear facilities, including the Higashidori and Onagawa plants. However, around 450 liters of water spilled from a spent-fuel cooling system at the Rokkasho reprocessing plant, though authorities emphasized that there was no safety hazard. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi activated an emergency response task force, urging citizens, “Please be prepared to evacuate as soon as you feel a tremor.”

Heightened ‘Megaquake’ Warning Issued

Increased Risk of a Major Event

The JMA issued a rare alert warning of an increased chance of a “megaquake” within the coming week, spanning the Pacific coastline from Hokkaido to Chiba. Officials indicated that the probability of an event approaching magnitude 8 has risen, urging residents in 182 municipalities to monitor updates closely.

A Reminder of Japan’s Seismic Past

The warning is especially unsettling given the nation’s history. The epicenter lies near the region devastated by the 2011 magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami, which claimed nearly 18,500 lives. JMA official Satoshi Harada cautioned, “You need to prepare, assuming that a disaster like that could happen again.”

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Sorit Chaudhary

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