Japan Rocked by 7.5-Magnitude Quake: 30 Injured, Thousands Evacuated

A powerful earthquake struck Japan's northern coast on Monday, leaving at least 30 people injured and thousands without power in freezing temperatures. The 7.5-magnitude quake was centered off the coast of Aomori, triggering a tsunami warning that was later lifted after waves reached just over 2 feet high. A viral video from a newsroom in Hachinohe city showed the devastating impact of the quake, with papers flying off desks and equipment shaking violently. The tremors damaged roads, causing several crevasses and leaving at least one car in a hole. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reported that 30 people were injured, with one person seriously hurt in Hokkaido. Emergency services advised 28,000 people to evacuate their homes, with some makeshift shelters reaching full capacity. The quake also left over 2,700 homes without power, although restoration efforts reduced the number to less than 40 within hours. The Shinkansen bullet train service was suspended in some areas while engineers checked for damage to the tracks. Fortunately, initial concerns about significant damage from tsunamis and nuclear power plant malfunctions were alleviated. The Higashidori nuclear power plant and the Onagawa facility were found to be operating normally. As the region continues to recover, Prime Minister Takaichi urged residents to be cautious and follow information from the Japan Meteorological Agency and local governments. With the possibility of further tremors, residents are advised to secure furniture and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.