In brief
On December 9, 2025, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the coast of the Aomori region in Northeastern Japan, injuring at least 30 individuals and forcing the evacuation of thousands. The earthquake triggered temporary tsunami warnings and left many areas without power. Authorities have warned of potential aftershocks and urged residents to be prepared. The Japanese government is actively coordinating rescue and relief efforts in response to the disaster.
At least 30 people were injured after a magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit north-eastern Japan on Monday night, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes.
The quake occurred at 23:15 (14:15 GMT) at a depth of 50km (31mi), about 80km off the coast of the Aomori region, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. It prompted tsunami warnings which have now been lifted, while waves of 70cm (27in) were seen.
Some train services have been suspended and thousands of homes have been left without power as a result.
Authorities have also warned that a stronger tremor could occur in the coming days - urging the public to remain on high alert for at least a week, according to local media reports.
Addressing citizens affected by the earthquake, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said: Reconfirm your daily earthquake preparedness, such as ensuring that you secure furniture, and prepare to evacuate immediately if you feel shaking.
Orders were issued for about 90,000 residents to evacuate, according to Reuters news agency.
The Aomori prefectural government said around 2,700 homes have been left without power. East Japan Railway has also suspended some services along the north-eastern coast.
The Japanese government has set up a response office within the prime minister's crisis management centre and convened an emergency team, chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara has said.
We are making every effort to assess the damage and implement emergency disaster response measures, including rescue and relief operations, he added.
Following the tremors, Japanese electric company Tohoku Electric Power said no irregularities were reported at its Higashidori and Onagawa nuclear power plants as a result of the quake, Tohoku Electric Power said. None were detected either at the disabled Fukushima nuclear power station site, the Japanese authorities told the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries. It sits on the Ring of Fire and, as a result, experiences about 1,500 earthquakes a year. Earlier this year, Japan's earthquake investigation panel said there was a 60-90% chance that a megaquake would occur in the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years, with worst-case scenarios suggesting it would cause trillions in damage, and potentially kill hundreds of thousands.
