A preliminary magnitude of 7.5 earthquake struck off the north-eastern coast of Japan, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
The JMA reported that the earthquake was located in the Pacific Ocean and had a depth of 10 km. The tremor was reported to have been felt in Tokyo, hundreds of kilometres away, according to AFP.
Regarding the tsunami, the agency observed an 80-centimetre wave at a port in Kuji, Iwate. Previously, a 70-centimetre wave had struck at 5:32 pm, local time.
The JMA issued warnings of potentially high waves, advising that as high as 3 metres could be expected in the prefectures of Iwate, Aomori, and Hokkaido.
Authorities issued strong warnings for the public, urging people to “Evacuate immediately from coastal regions and riverside areas to a safer place such as high ground or an evacuation building,” Japan’s weather agency stated. Officials warned that damage due to tsunami waves was anticipated and emphasized that “Tsunami waves are expected to hit repeatedly. Do not leave safe ground until the warning is lifted.”
The prime minister’s office confirmed that it had set up a crisis management team.
Local impacts were immediately visible: NHK reported ships sailing out of Hachinohe port in Hokkaido in anticipation of the waves. Additionally, bullet train services in Aomori, at the northern tip of Japan’s main Honshu island, were halted, according to local media reports.