Magnitude 7.5 Earthquake Hits Northeastern Japan, Triggering Tsunami Alerts
Tokyo, Tuesday, 9 December 2025.
A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s northeast, injuring at least 30 and leading to tsunami warnings. Authorities warn of potential aftershocks and urge preparedness for further seismic activity.
Immediate Aftermath and Response
The earthquake struck at 11:15 p.m. on December 8, 2025, off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture, at a depth of 54 kilometers. This powerful tremor registered as an ‘upper 6’ on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, making it difficult for people to stand or walk without crawling [1][3]. In the immediate aftermath, approximately 90,000 residents were ordered to evacuate due to tsunami warnings issued for the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate [2][4].
Impact on Infrastructure and Services
The quake resulted in significant disruptions, including the suspension of train services and power outages affecting thousands of homes. East Japan Railway suspended some services along the northeastern coast [1][4]. Additionally, approximately 2,700 homes in Aomori were left without power, although electricity was restored by the morning of December 9 [3][5].
Government and Emergency Measures
In response to the earthquake, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to remain vigilant and prepared for aftershocks. The government set up an emergency response office and mobilized resources for assessing damage and implementing disaster relief measures [1][4][6]. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of the possibility of further strong earthquakes in the coming days, advising the public to maintain emergency readiness for at least a week [2][5].
Historical Context and Future Risks
Japan, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is one of the most earthquake-prone countries globally, experiencing about 1,500 quakes annually. Historical precedents, such as the 2011 magnitude-9.0 earthquake that led to the Fukushima disaster, underscore the potential risks. The Japan Meteorological Agency has highlighted a one-in-100 chance of a magnitude-8 or greater earthquake occurring within the next week [4][6].