Japan Earthquake: Civilians Scramble After 7.6 Magnitude Quake Ignites Tsunami Fears | Aomori

A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's northern coast on December 8, 2025, around 11:15 PM local time, with the epicenter 80 km from Aomori in Honshu prefecture, causing strong shaking up to 'Upper 6' intensity in Hachinohe City and triggering tsunami alerts across the Pacific coast. Waves of 50-70 cm were recorded at Kuji port in Iwate, prompting evacuations for about 90,000 residents to shelters or higher ground, as officials warned of potential 3-meter surges and urged continued vigilance since subsequent waves could be larger. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi activated an emergency task force for life-saving and damage assessments, while the Japan Meteorological Agency cautioned of aftershocks up to M7.6 for the next week, especially the first 2-3 days, noting historical patterns of successive quakes in the area.

Several injuries were reported in Hachinohe from falling debris affecting hotel guests, and one man in Tohoku was lightly hurt when his car fell into a quake-created hole, but no deaths have been confirmed yet. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara emphasised prompt tsunami and evacuation information, with the government prioritising human life and close coordination with local authorities for rescue efforts. Authorities are monitoring nuclear plants for anomalies, drawing lessons from the 2011 Tohoku disaster, as the nation braces for ongoing risks amid pandemonium in affected areas like Aomori and Hachinohe.