A Powerful Earthquake Rocks Japan's East Coast: The Latest Updates
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake has shaken Japan's eastern coast, triggering tsunami waves and causing injuries. The tremor, located near the city of Misawa in Aomori Prefecture, was felt as far as Sapporo and Hachinohe. The U.S. Geological Survey reports a 27-mile-deep quake, recorded at 11:15 p.m. local time (9:15 a.m. EST).
The Japanese Meteorological Agency issued a warning, predicting tsunami waves up to 10 feet in height could reach coastlines near the epicenter within an hour. So far, the largest waves recorded are about 20 inches, according to the JMA. The NWS Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reassures that a basinwide tsunami is not expected, eliminating any potential danger to the U.S. West Coast or Hawaii.
Initial reports from public broadcaster NHK, via the Associated Press, reveal:
- Injuries at a hotel in Hachinohe.
- A man in Tohoku was hurt when his car fell into a hole.
- Safety checks are underway at nuclear power plants in the region.
This story is still developing, and we will provide further updates as they become available.
