The BRICS TimesTsunami warnings issued for northern Japan following powerful tremor
A major tsunami warning was issued on Monday evening for the coastal areas of Iwate, Aomori, and Hokkaido. Authorities warned of potential waves reaching up to 3 meters after a strong earthquake hit off the Iwate coast. Television anchors urgently told residents to move to higher ground immediately. They specifically asked people to stay away from rivers and beaches, reminding them of the tragic “3/11 disaster.” On NHK, the message “Tsunami! Evacuate!” was displayed in English to warn international residents. The warning also included a firm reminder: “Don’t turn back.”
Earthquake magnitude and initial impact details
The earthquake struck at 4:53 p.m. at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.4. The tremors were strong enough to be felt in Tokyo, hundreds of kilometers away. In the capital, large buildings swayed for several minutes as the earthquake hit.
Tsunami observations and expected arrival times
Small tsunami waves have already started reaching the shore. A 40-centimeter wave was recorded at Miyako Port in Iwate, with larger waves expected soon. Forecasts suggested the tsunami would reach Hachinohe Port and parts of Hokkaido by 5:40 p.m. NHK reported that waves were spotted 60 km off the coast, indicating they would hit land shortly. Live footage from Kuji Port showed ships rocking as the first small waves arrived.
Government response and transport disruptions
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the media in Tokyo, urging everyone in danger zones to evacuate. “At this time, we are still confirming the material damage and impact on residents, but we will receive detailed reports shortly and proceed with disaster response efforts,” a visibly breathless Takaichi said. The Maritime Self-Defense Force has deployed a helicopter to assess the damage. Meanwhile, the Tohoku and Akita Shinkansen lines have suspended all services between Tokyo and northern stations. This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
