Japan is currently assessing the impact of a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck late on Monday. The severe quake occurred around 11:15 p.m. local time.
The seismic event was centered in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 80 kilometers off the coast of Aomori. This location, in the far north of the main island of Honshu, placed the northern prefectures at the highest risk. The earthquake caused significant shaking across a wide area, leading to infrastructure disruption and alarm.
Casualties and Aftershock Warning
Authorities have issued a warning for residents to remain vigilant for aftershocks in the coming days. Residents are urged to secure loose objects and prepare for possible further ground movement.
- Injuries: Officials reported that at least 34 people were injured, with one person sustaining serious injuries.
- Cause of Injuries: Most casualties resulted from falling objects inside homes and businesses.
Local emergency services were quickly mobilized to inspect key utilities and infrastructure. While no major damage was immediately confirmed beyond localized incidents, the focus is on medical care for the injured and continuous seismic monitoring.
Geographic Context
This region of Japan is prone to high seismic activity. The country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making strong earthquakes a frequent risk.
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