Northern Japan shaken by a massive 7.5-magnitude earthquake causing road collapses, blackouts, and emergency evacuations amid freezing temperatures.
A powerful 7.5 Japan earthquake, as reported by Business Recorder and the Japan Meteorological Agency, struck off Aomori late Monday, injuring dozens, cutting power, and damaging infrastructure. Emergency teams are assessing risks as aftershocks and tsunami warnings keep the region on high alert.
Key Points
- Magnitude 7.5 earthquake hits off Aomori, Japan.
- At least 30 injured, roads cracked, and power outages reported.
- 28,000 residents advised to evacuate in freezing weather.
- Shinkansen services suspended; nuclear plants report no abnormalities.
- Experts warn aftershocks may continue for days.
Tokyo (Star Struck Times) — A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan’s Aomori region late Monday night, injuring dozens and causing widespread infrastructure damage as temperatures dipped below freezing. The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed the quake, which hit at 11:15 p.m. local time, revising its initial reading of 7.6 but warning of increased seismic activity in the coming days.
Authorities said at least 30 people were injured across Aomori and neighboring prefectures, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reporting that 20 injuries were directly linked to the offshore tremor. The quake triggered seismic waves reaching 70 centimeters, prompting immediate coastal warnings and emergency evacuations.
Video footage circulating on social media showed residents clinging to tables inside a supermarket as items crashed to the floor. Roads across several districts split open, and at least one vehicle was seen partially swallowed by a sudden collapse. The dramatic visuals quickly went viral, with one viewer commenting, “It felt like the ground was giving up beneath us. The shaking wouldn’t stop.”
Early reports indicated multiple fires, but officials later confirmed a single blaze at a house, according to government spokesperson Minoru Kihara. Firefighters responded swiftly, preventing the flames from spreading in the densely populated neighborhood.
More than 28,000 residents received evacuation advisories shortly after the quake, a difficult task made worse by the harsh winter weather. Local media reported that many temporary shelters were already filled, leaving some residents seeking warmth in their cars. A local evacuee told reporters, “The cold is unbearable, but the fear of aftershocks is even worse.”
Transport systems experienced significant disruptions, with the Shinkansen bullet-train services suspended on several lines as engineers conducted emergency inspections. Authorities stressed that safety checks could take several hours, delaying travel during one of the busiest end-of-year periods.
Officials from Tohoku Electric Power confirmed that no abnormalities were detected at the Higashidori or Onagawa nuclear power plants, offering reassurance amid memories of Japan’s worst nuclear disaster. The shadow of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which killed more than 18,500 people and triggered the Fukushima nuclear meltdown, remains deeply embedded in the nation’s consciousness.
Seismologists Kyle Bradley and Judith A. Hubbard explained that predicting whether a strong earthquake will be followed by an even larger one remains scientifically impossible. “We must rely on historical statistics, which show that only a small number of large earthquakes are followed by bigger events,” they noted, urging continued caution as aftershocks persist.
Japan sits atop four major tectonic plates along the volatile Pacific Ring of Fire, making it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations. A government panel recently raised the probability of a major Nankai Trough earthquake occurring within the next 30 years to an alarming 75–82 percent, underscoring growing national concerns.
The latest quake created intense shaking across northern Japan, with residents describing the tremor as “long and violent,” causing fears of a tsunami similar to past disasters. Authorities quickly issued and later lifted tsunami advisories, though emergency response teams remain on high alert for possible aftershocks and landslides.
Despite the damage, the region avoided catastrophic destruction thanks to Japan’s advanced earthquake-resistant infrastructure and early-warning systems. However, the emotional toll on residents remains heavy. Many expressed anxiety about returning home, uncertain whether their houses were structurally safe.
As emergency workers assess structural risks and repair teams restore power, officials urge the public to remain cautious. The government continues to monitor seismic activity, with experts warning that aftershocks may continue for days or even weeks.
Japan’s resilience in the face of natural disasters once again stands out. However, Monday night’s quake serves as another reminder of the nation’s fragile geography and the ever-present threat beneath its surface.
FAQs
Q: Was there a tsunami after the earthquake?
A: Small seismic waves up to 70 cm were reported, but no major tsunami developed.
Q: Are power outages still ongoing?
A: Crews are working to restore electricity, though some regions remain dark due to structural damage.
Q: Is travel disrupted?
A: Shinkansen services were suspended temporarily but are gradually resuming after safety checks.
Q: Are nuclear plants affected?
A: No. Operators confirmed no abnormalities at any nearby nuclear facilities.
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