Japan lifts warnings after strong quake

Japanese authorities lifted tsunami warnings hours after a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the northeastern coast, injuring at least 30 people and prompting about 90,000 residents to evacuate. The quake, centered roughly 80 km offshore of Aomori prefecture at a depth of about 50–54 km, registered as an "upper 6" on Japan’s 1–7 seismic intensity scale in parts of Aomori—strong enough to make standing impossible and to cause heavy furniture to topple and damage to walls and windows.

The Japan Meteorological Agency initially warned of tsunami waves up to three meters for Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate prefectures; smaller surges of 20–70 cm were observed at several ports. Officials used emergency broadcasts and loudspeakers to urge coastal residents to move to higher ground. By early morning the JMA downgraded warnings to advisories and then lifted them, while cautioning that dangerous currents and fluctuating sea levels could persist. Authorities warned of possible strong aftershocks in the days ahead and urged continued vigilance.

Local responses included widespread evacuations to centers in Aomori and Iwate, suspension of many rail services while tracks and tunnels were inspected, and checks of airport runways. Emergency crews attended to dozens of injuries primarily caused by falling debris and accidents during evacuations; hospitals treated patients and fire crews responded to several small fires linked to electrical failures. Utility companies reported localized power outages affecting several hundred households as they worked to restore service in cold, windy conditions.

Search-and-rescue and damage-assessment teams surveyed coastal towns, ports and infrastructure, inspecting bridges, tunnels and public facilities for structural harm. Fishing communities and remote settlements experienced brief communication losses, prompting volunteer and official efforts to confirm residents’ safety and deliver blankets, water and hot meals to crowded shelters. Some evacuees—still wary after the 2011 disaster—chose to remain in shelters even after warnings were lifted.

Government officials said nuclear facilities in the region remained stable, with only minor, non-hazardous incidents reported. Seismologists indicated the quake likely resulted from a rupture along the Pacific plate near the Sanriku coastline, a known source of powerful offshore earthquakes, and stressed the potential for additional sizeable shocks. The national government convened emergency meetings to coordinate rapid assessments and dispatch resources, and authorities asked the public to keep emergency kits ready and to follow local instructions as recovery and inspections continue.