A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake has struck off the northeastern coast of Japan, sparking immediate tsunami warnings across the region. The seismic event occurred at 4:53 pm local time, with its epicentre located approximately 10 kilometres deep near the Sanriku coast.
Tsunami Warnings and Potential Impact
Authorities have issued tsunami warnings for the Japanese coastline, forecasting potential waves as high as 3 metres. The Japan Meteorological Agency recorded the seismic intensity as upper 5 on its scale, indicating significant shaking that makes walking difficult and may cause unfixed furniture to fall.
Details of the Earthquake
The earthquake's shallow depth and proximity to the coast heighten concerns for coastal communities. Residents in affected areas are urged to evacuate to higher ground and follow official safety instructions as the situation develops.
Emergency services are on high alert, with response teams mobilised to assess damage and provide assistance. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available from meteorological and disaster management agencies.
