Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake Strikes Aomori Prefecture, Japan... Tsunami Warning Issued with Urgent Evacuation Orders

[Financial News] A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck off the coast near Aomori Prefecture in northeastern Japan, prompting a tsunami warning and causing injuries to at least six people, as well as damage in some areas.
According to Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK), Kyodo News, and other outlets, the earthquake occurred at around 11:15 p.m. on the 8th, approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture. The hypocenter was observed at a depth of about 50 kilometers. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the earthquake originated at the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the land plate.
The Japan Meteorological Agency initially announced the earthquake as magnitude 7.2, but later revised it to 7.6.
Following the earthquake, at around 11:23 p.m., the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for the central Pacific coast of Hokkaido, the Pacific coast of Aomori Prefecture, and Iwate Prefecture. A tsunami advisory was also issued for the eastern and western Pacific coasts of Hokkaido, the Sea of Japan coast of Aomori Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, and Fukushima Prefecture.
Authorities predicted that a tsunami up to about 3 meters high could hit the central Pacific coasts of Hokkaido, Aomori Prefecture, and Iwate Prefecture, urging residents in affected areas to evacuate immediately. Subsequently, a 70-centimeter tsunami was observed at Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture, and tsunami waves were also recorded along the coasts of Hokkaido, Aomori Prefecture, Iwate Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, and Fukushima Prefecture.
As of 1 a.m. on the 9th, six people in Aomori Prefecture had been reported injured due to the earthquake. Reports also included the collapse of a hut and building walls. In Aomori City, a house fire broke out, though it was unclear if it was caused by the earthquake. Additionally, about 2,700 households in Noheji Town, Aomori Prefecture, experienced power outages, and Shinkansen service between Fukushima Station and Shin-Aomori Station was suspended.

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) halted the discharge of treated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant at around 11:42 p.m. on the 8th after the tsunami advisory was issued. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that there were no abnormalities at the Fukushima plant as a result of the earthquake.
The Japanese government established a response office at the Crisis Management Center in the Prime Minister's Official Residence. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructed officials at the residence to ensure the timely provision of information to the public, implement evacuation and damage prevention measures, and swiftly assess the situation.
bng@fnnews.com Kim Hee-sun Reporter