Powerful 7.6 quake rocks northern Japan, fires break out Tsunami threat looms / Updated

A 7.6-magnitude earthquake has struck northern Japan, triggering fires and suspending train services, authorities report.

Several injuries have been reported in Aomori Prefecture, including guests at a local hotel, where emergency services have been dispatched, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Local officials are also assessing reports of fires caused by the tremor.

The strong tremors struck on the evening of December 8, with the epicentre located in the Pacific Ocean east of Aomori Prefecture, at a depth of approximately 50km.

A tsunami warning has been issued for the coasts of Aomori, Iwate, and Hokkaido, with waves expected to reach up to three metres. So far, minor fluctuations of around 40cm have been recorded, but authorities warn that stronger waves remain possible and have urged residents to evacuate.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has established an emergency coordination headquarters to oversee rescue operations, emphasising that protecting lives and public safety is the top priority.

Energy companies, including TEPCO, have begun inspections of their facilities, with no abnormal situations reported at nuclear power plants.

20:14

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 struck northern Japan on December 8, according to the country’s meteorological agency.

The tremor was recorded off the eastern coast of Aomori prefecture at a depth of about 50 kilometres.

A tsunami warning has been issued for the region, with waves of up to three metres expected to reach the Pacific coastline of Aomori as well as the central coastal areas of Hokkaido.

Minutes after the initial quake, another strong tremor was registered and was also felt in the capital, Tokyo.

There have been no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities. TEPCO, the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, said it is checking whether the earthquake had any impact on its facilities.

By Aghakazim Guliyev