Magnitude 7.6 Quake Triggers Tsunami Warning in Northeastern Japan

A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck off eastern Aomori Prefecture around 11:15 p.m. on Monday, triggering a tsunami warning for coastal areas of Hokkaido and Aomori and Iwate prefectures, Jessica Speed and Kazuaki Nagata reported for Japan Times.

Waves of 50 centimeters were observed in the town of Urakawa, Hokkaido, at 12:21 a.m. Tuesday, and in Kuji Port, Iwate Prefecture, at 12:10 a.m. (Photo: Ebiebi2 Wikimedia Commons) 

People in affected areas are advised to immediately evacuate to higher ground. Waves are expected to reach up to 3 meters on the Iwate Prefecture coast, the central Pacific coastal areas of Hokkaido, and the Pacific coast of Aomori Prefecture.

One-meter-high waves are expected on the coasts of Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, the Sea of Japan coast of Aomori Prefecture, and the western and eastern Pacific coastal areas of Hokkaido.

Waves of 50 centimeters were observed in the town of Urakawa, Hokkaido, at 12:21 a.m. Tuesday, and in Kuji Port, Iwate Prefecture, at 12:10 a.m.