Japan was jolted by a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake off its northern Pacific coast on Thursday morning, prompting temporary disruptions to transport services and fresh concerns in a region that has witnessed repeated seismic activity in recent months. Authorities, however, confirmed that there was no tsunami threat and no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.
Strong tremors hit northeastern Japan
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Iwate Prefecture at a depth of around 50 kilometres. The agency later revised the magnitude from an initial 6.9 to 7.2. Meanwhile, the US Geological Survey measured the quake at 6.9.
The tremors were felt across Japan's northeastern region during the Thursday morning rush hour and were also experienced, though less intensely, in Tokyo.
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Government spokesperson Minoru Kihara said there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said her government's emergency response team is "putting people's lives first," while assessing the situation and preparing relief measures if they become necessary. She also urged residents in the affected areas to remain alert for possible aftershocks.
Schools, rail services affected
As per a report by AP, in Hashikami town of Aomori Prefecture, primary school principal Tomoko Nagane told NHK that she was driving when the earthquake alert sounded and experienced moderate sideways shaking.
She said children who had already reached school were safe, although some were frightened and cried after the quake. Classes were cancelled for the day, and all students were sent home safely.
Journalists speaking on NHK from cities including Sendai and Morioka said the shaking continued for a couple of minutes but that they had not observed visible damage. Television footage also showed commuters continuing with their daily routines.
As a precaution, East Japan Railway Co. temporarily suspended several bullet train services and local rail lines to carry out safety inspections.
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No abnormalities at nuclear facilities
Per the AP report, officials said nuclear facilities in the region, including the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant and a spent fuel reprocessing facility in Aomori, reported no abnormalities following the earthquake.
The latest quake struck in an area that has experienced a series of strong earthquakes in recent months, including one in December that led authorities to issue a weeklong mega-quake caution advisory.
Japan lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world's most seismically active zones, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence across the country.
