Punjab Newsline | Tokyo
A strong earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale struck Japan on Monday at 1:23 PM (IST). The epicenter was located about 100 km off the coast, at a depth of 10 km under the sea.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas of Iwate Prefecture, Hokkaido, and Aomori Prefecture, with waves expected to reach heights of up to 3 meters.
Following the quake, waves of around 3 feet were recorded in Iwate, while Miyako and Hachinohe witnessed waves of up to 1.5 feet. Water levels continue to rise in these areas.
As a precautionary measure, bullet train services have been suspended. Authorities have begun evacuating coastal regions and have advised residents to stay away from beaches and rivers and move immediately to higher ground.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has urged people living in coastal areas to relocate to safer places without delay. The government has set up an emergency task force to monitor the situation in affected regions following the earthquake.