A powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit north-eastern Japan toward the end of Monday, injuring at least 30 people and compelling approximately 90,000 of the area’s residents to evacuate. The Japan Meteorological Agency recorded that the quake occurred at 23:15 local time, approximately 80km near the Aomori coast with a depth of 50km. Statuses of tsunamis were raised and then canceled, yet waves of 70cm were recorded.
There are still thousands of houses in the dark, and some trains running along the north-eastern coast have been cancelled. The government issues warnings that even more powerful aftershocks can be experienced within the next days.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi encouraged people to ensure that their houses are secured and they are ready to vacate the premises in the event of further shaking. Agencies have also been activated and sent to inspect damage and assist in rescue efforts.
Nuclear officials claimed that there were no abnormalities in the neighboring power stations, such as Fukushima, which was badly damaged in the 2011 disaster.