Tsunami Alert in Japan: Magnitude 7.6 Quake Threatens Pacific Coast

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Tsunami Alert in Japan: Magnitude 7.6 Quake Threatens Pacific Coast

A significant earthquake struck northern Japan on December 8, 2025, prompting a tsunami alert across the Pacific coast. The tremor registered a magnitude of 7.6, occurring at 15:15 Paris time, near Misawa in the Aomori Prefecture. The earthquake’s depth was measured at 44 kilometers.

Tsunami Alert and Initial Waves

In response to the seismic activity, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami alert. The first recorded wave hit a port in the northern Aomori region, measuring 40 centimeters, at 23:43 local time. This was followed by another wave of the same height reaching Urakawa in Hokkaido at 23:50.

Impact and Damage

Reportedly, several injuries occurred, including an incident involving a hotel employee in Hachinohe. Media coverage showed shattered glass covering the streets, and many residents evacuated their homes, seeking safety in municipal buildings.

The earthquake was also felt in Sapporo, the largest city in northern Japan, where alarm systems sounded on mobile devices. A journalist reported experiencing a 30-second horizontal tremor that made it difficult to remain standing.

Government Response and Safety Measures

Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s Prime Minister, urged those along the central coast of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate to seek immediate refuge in elevated areas or designated evacuation centers. Despite the arrival of the tsunami, she stated there could be larger subsequent waves.

Precautions and Historical Context

Earlier warnings from the JMA hinted at the possibility of a tsunami reaching up to three meters in height. This alerts the memories of Japan’s devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which claimed over 18,500 lives and caused catastrophic nuclear incidents.

Japan’s geographical positioning makes it highly susceptible to seismic activity, as it lies at the convergence of four tectonic plates on the Pacific Ring of Fire. The country experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually, most of which are minor, but their impact varies significantly based on location and depth.