Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said at least 30 people were injured after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck off Aomori Prefecture, prompting tsunami alerts. One residential fire was also reported.
Authorities urged residents to stay alert for a week and continue earthquake preparations. Disaster Management Director Tsukasa Morikubo warned that a stronger quake of magnitude 8 or higher remains possible in the Japan Trench region.
The tsunami warning for Aomori, Iwate, and Hokkaido was lifted early Tuesday after waves of up to 70 centimeters were recorded. The quake, originally reported as magnitude 7.6, was felt across northern Japan and caused brief panic in Tokyo.