Japan rattled by 7.5-magnitude earthquake, authorities warn of aftershocks

A magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck off Japan’s northeastern coast on Monday, injuring more than two dozen people and prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders for more than 100,000 people.

The earthquake struck at 11:15 p.m. local time around 44 miles off the northeast coast of the country, at a depth of about 33 miles, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
A CNN team in Japan’s capital Tokyo – more than 400 miles away – felt strong tremors during the earthquake, which lasted for longer than 30 seconds.

The JMA warned there was a possibility a “large-scale earthquake of magnitude 8 or greater” could occur in Japan this week, but put the probability at 1%.

“While it remains deeply uncertain whether a major earthquake will actually occur, we believe it’s essential to take disaster preparedness measures based on the principle that we must protect our own lives,” the agency said.

Following the quake, The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami warning for the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Aomori prefecture and Iwate prefecture.

However, the tsunami waves were not as high as feared. A 2.3-foot tsunami was observed at Kuji port in Iwate, while a 1.3-foot tsunami was recorded in Aomori and Hokkaido, the JMA said.

After several hours, the JMA downgraded the warning to a tsunami advisory, and by Tuesday morning the advisory was lifted.

Evacuation orders were issued for over 114,000 people, Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency said early Tuesday.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters Tuesday at least 30 people were injured in the quake, warning similar or even stronger tremors could follow.

There were several reports from Aomori prefecture of injuries and fires, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a news conference early Tuesday.

He said power outages have been reported in Aomori and Iwate and that high-speed train service was suspended between Fukushima and Aomori. Some sections of expressways were also closed, Kihara said.

Video by Reuters news agency showed a damaged hotel and buildings in Mutsu, a city in Aomori prefecture, and a car stuck on a damaged highway.

Sources- CNN World