Tsunami Alert: 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan
On December 8, 2025, a significant 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan, leading to urgent tsunami warnings. The earthquake hit at 11:15 PM local time, off the coast of Aomori prefecture, located at the northern tip of Honshu, Japan’s main island.
Tsunami Warnings Issued
Following the earthquake, multiple prefectures in northern Japan received tsunami warnings. These included:
- Hokkaido
- Aomori
- Iwate
A tsunami advisory was also issued for Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, as reported by NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster.
Impact and Response
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced that the government was actively assessing the damage caused by the quake. Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru noted that Hachinohe city in Aomori prefecture experienced the most significant tremors. Reports indicated that several injuries occurred at a hotel in Aomori following the earthquake.
Nuclear Safety Measures
Authorities are currently evaluating the status of nuclear power plants in the region to ensure safety following the seismic event.
Japan is situated on the “Ring of Fire,” which makes it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. This geological positioning results in high seismic activity, explaining the frequency of such natural disasters.
El-Balad will continue to provide updates on this evolving situation as new information becomes available.
