Japan was struck by a new 6.9-magnitude earthquake on Friday morning, hitting a similar area of the Pacific coast to Monday night’s powerful 7.5-magnitude tremor.
The new quake off Aomori prefecture triggered a fresh tsunami advisory from the Japan Meteorological Agency, which warned of the potential for 1 metre tsunami waves along much of the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures.
That advisory was lifted around two hours later, but a number of communities along the coast were evacuated.
The extent of damage or injuries from the new quake wasn’t immediately clear.
Japan had earlier warned of possible aftershocks following Monday’s 7.5-magnitude tremor. Monday night’s earthquake injured at least 51 people and triggered widespread tsunami warnings, with waves of up to 70cm reported in several coastal communities.
On Tuesday, Japan’s weather agency issued its highest-level warning that a megaquake – an earthquake of magnitude 8 or higher – could follow Monday’s powerful tremor. The notice, which remains in place until 16 December, was the first time this top-tier alert has been issued since the warning system was launched in 2022.
Key Points
- Japan says 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Pacific coast on Friday morning
- Some areas evacuated amid tsunami advisory before it's later lifted
- Mapped: Japan aftershocks after 7.5-magnitude earthquake
- Timeline of events since Monday’s earthquake
- Residents stock up on emergency gear amid megaquake advisory
Low tide helped blunt the impact of Monday’s tsunami, expert says
11:15 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe tsunami triggered by Monday night’s powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake off Japan’s northeast coast could have caused significantly more damage if its largest wave had arrived at high tide, according to disaster researchers.
The biggest wave – a 70-centimetre surge recorded at Kuji port – reached the coast about 90 minutes after the first tsunami warning.
“It was lucky that the highest tsunami in the Monday quake came at low tide, which means that the tide level is 1.5 metres lower than at high tide,” Shunichi Koshimura, professor at Tohoku University’s International Research Institute of Disaster Science, told the local media.
He added that the timing reduced the risk of flooding. If the same wave had come at high tide, the impact could have been much more severe, he says.
Kuji port also recorded Japan’s highest tsunami following the 30 July Kamchatka earthquake, when a 141-centimetre wave struck the area.
Koshimura also warned that the strongest tsunami waves do not always arrive first. Monday’s peak wave was the fifth to hit Kuji.
“We have to be careful about the biggest wave, which may come late.”
Yet another tremor rocks Japan
10:45 , Maroosha MuzaffarAn earthquake struck at around 7.05pm local time, with shaking felt across several prefectures, according to NERV – an app that provides real-time disaster prevention updates.
It said on X that the strongest tremors – rated intensity 4 on Japan’s seven-tier seismic scale – were recorded in northern and southern Ibaraki, southern Tochigi, southern Saitama and northwestern Chiba.
Milder shaking, rated intensity 3, was observed in parts of Fukushima’s Nakadori region, southern Gunma, northern Saitama and northeastern Chiba, among other areas.
This comes after this morning’s magnitude 6.9 earthquake off the coast of Aomori.
A few hours later, at about 12.21pm, a magnitude 5.7 tremor hit the same region, according to the Japanese weather agency’s website.
According to the USGS website, four tremors of magnitude 5.5, 4.7, 4.6 and 4.9 struck Japan’s Pacific coast after today’s 6.9 magnitude earthquake.
Unruptured Iwate fault raises alarm as expert warns heightened seismic activity possible in coming days
10:15 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe Pacific coast is at risk because the recent quakes are occurring along a historically active offshore zone where major earthquakes tend to occur in sequence, an expert has said.
Monday’s 7.5 quake struck in the northern part of the same fault area that produced the deadly 7.9 quake in 1968.
Friday’s 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit a similar area of the Pacific coast to Monday night’s powerful 7.5-magnitude tremor.
The southern portion of that zone already ruptured in 1994 with a 7.6 quake, and another strong 6.9 quake struck just south of it in November this year.
Fumiaki Tomita, associate professor at the International Research Institute of Disaster Science of Japan’s Tohoku University, suggests that stress along the offshore fault system is shifting northward.
“Earthquakes with magnitudes of 8 could strike the area (if large-scale slips occur between the two plates),” he warned.
According to him, the northern area off Iwate is now the only segment of this seismic zone that has not released a large earthquake since 1968.
Because unruptured segments can accumulate strain, they are more likely to produce powerful quakes and tsunamis, he says.
More major earthquakes possible off Aomori, says Japanese research institute
09:45 , Maroosha MuzaffarA Tohoku University disaster science researcher has warned that more major earthquakes – potentially as strong as magnitude 7 or 8 – could follow Monday’s 7.5 quake off Aomori.
Fumiaki Tomita, associate professor at the International Research Institute of Disaster Science of Japan’s Tohoku University, has urged communities along the Pacific coast from Hokkaido to Chiba to stay alert for both strong shaking and possible tsunamis.
“Earthquakes with magnitudes of 8 could strike the area (if large-scale slips occur between the two plates),” he warned, according to The Japan Times.
The Japan Meteorological Agency’s megaquake advisory for a possible huge earthquake remains in effect until midnight Tuesday, but the expert said that people should remain prepared even after the advisory expires.
No abnormalities at nuclear facilities, Japan’s nuclear regulation authority says
09:15 , Maroosha MuzaffarTohoku Electric Power Company reports that the Higashidori nuclear power plant in Aomori Prefecture and the Onagawa plant in Miyagi Prefecture are operating normally, with no abnormalities detected, NHK Japan reported.
Tokyo Electric Power Company confirmed that Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear plants are stable, with radiation monitoring posts showing no unusual readings after this morning’s 6.7-magnitude earthquake.
Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority added that there are “no immediate signs of abnormalities” at nuclear facilities in the region affected by the quake.
Understanding Japan’s seismic activity and megaquake advisory
08:45 , Maroosha MuzaffarJapan sits at the junction of several tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world. While earthquakes are common, some of the most powerful and dangerous ones originate from ocean trenches.
Monday’s magnitude-7.5 earthquake in northern Japan has brought attention back to the Japan Trench and the Chishima Trench.
A trench earthquake occurs along a deep crack in the ocean floor, called a trench, where one tectonic plate slides beneath another in a process known as subduction.
Over years or decades, stress builds as the plates get stuck.
When that stress is suddenly released, it can produce a powerful megathrust earthquake.
Because these earthquakes occur under the ocean, they often generate tsunamis, which can be extremely large and destructive.
The Japan Trench, off the east coast of Honshu, and the Chishima Trench, off northern Hokkaido and stretching toward the Kuril Islands, are key locations for these events.
These trenches have produced some of Japan’s most devastating earthquakes, including the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, a magnitude 9.0 megathrust quake that triggered massive tsunamis along the coast.
Historical patterns show that magnitude-7 or higher quakes in these regions can be followed by even larger earthquakes, according to the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA).
This is why Japan established a megaquake advisory system – a special alert to warn residents of northern Japan when the risk of a major trench-type earthquake and tsunami is elevated.
What might happen if a major trench earthquake strikes
08:15 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe Japanese authorities have put in place a megaquake advisory after a magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck northern Japan.
It warns that the chances of a huge earthquake of magnitude 8 or higher are greater for roughly a week after Monday night’s sizeable tremor.
A post on the Japan Meteorological Agency website provides some projections for what the impact might be if a particularly large megaquake strikes an ocean trench off Japan.
It says a megaquake of the highest class is an extremely rare event, occurring “once every thousand years or even less frequently”.
The damage and casualties caused would vary depending on the season, time of day, and weather conditions.
The forecasts show that Hokkaido could face tsunamis between 10 and 20 metres, with Erimo Town possibly seeing nearly 30 metres. Western Hokkaido areas like Tomakomai and Hakodate might get around 10 metres.
In Aomori, Hachinohe could experience tsunamis over 25 metres, while the Pacific coasts of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima might see 10–30 metres.
The strongest shaking is expected in Hokkaido, with Akkeshi Town possibly reaching intensity 7 (on the Japan earthquake intensity scale that runs from 0 to 7), and areas east of Erimo reaching 6+.
Northern Honshu, including the Pacific coasts of Aomori and southern Iwate, could also feel 6+ intensity shaking.
Timeline of events since Monday’s earthquake
07:53 , Maroosha Muzaffar8 December:
A powerful magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan.
Tsunami warnings were issued for coastal Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate.
Observed tsunami waves reached 20–70 cm along the northern Pacific coast.
Tens of thousands of residents were ordered to higher ground – around 90,000 people in affected regions.
More than 50 people were injured, according to the fire and disaster agency.
Rail services and some infrastructure were temporarily disrupted.
9 December:
Tsunami warnings were downgraded to advisories and then lifted by early Tuesday.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued its first-ever “Off the Coast of Hokkaido and Sanriku Subsequent Earthquake Advisory”, warning of a higher chance of a major follow-up quake – a megaquake - along the Japan and Chishima Trenches.
The advisory covered 182 municipalities across seven prefectures.
Municipal authorities set up temporary evacuation shelters across Aomori and Hokkaido, offering blankets, food, and heating.
10 December:
Dozens of aftershocks continue to rock Japan’s Pacific coast since Monday night’s powerful tremor.
Officials continue urging residents to stay vigilant, even though they say that the chance of a megaquake is 1 in 100.
Schools in several regions remain closed, and some reported damage.
11 December:
Officials continue urging residents in affected areas to review evacuation routes, secure furniture, and maintain emergency supplies.
12 December:
A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Aomori Prefecture at a depth of nearly 17km, prompting a new tsunami advisory for parts of northern Honshu and Hokkaido.
The tsunami advisory was lifted even though local reports said evacuation orders were issued in some places in Miyagi Prefecture.
Residents stocking up on emergency gear amid megaquake advisory
07:13 , Maroosha MuzaffarAcross Aomori and Hokkaido, residents are reportedly stocking up on emergency gear as stores report surging sales of water, stabilisers, portable toilets, and adjustable poles to secure household furniture.
Families are preparing for the worst as the megaquake advisory remains in place.
A man in his 40s who was buying stabilisers for his fridge said: “It almost fell over in the quake. I hope we don’t experience another big one. I have young children, so I bought this as a precaution.”
Many stores are now also displaying disaster-related goods on shelves.
Childcare centres and community shelters are now prioritising heating options, thermal mats, and ways to keep evacuees dry in case of an emergency.
Pacific coast residents on edge after latest earthquake
06:32 , Maroosha MuzaffarJapan’s northern and eastern regions are on high alert as authorities continue to ask citizens to stay vigilant amid a megaquake advisory.
Today’s magnitude 6.9 earthquake added to anxieties as authorities have warned that conditions along the Japan Trench and Chishima Trench could trigger another major tremor.
Since Monday’s 7.5-magnitude tremor, dozens of aftershocks have struck the region.
Officials have expanded preparedness advisories to more than 180 municipalities spanning Hokkaido to Chiba.
Residents have been urged to go back to basics: know evacuation routes, secure heavy furniture, and assemble emergency grab-and-go kits stocked with essentials such as water, food, flashlights, and portable toilets.
Japan’s weather agency revises magnitude of latest earthquake from 6.7 to 6.9
06:08 , Maroosha MuzaffarJapan’s Meteorological Agency has upgraded today’s earthquake off the east coast of Aomori Prefecture to a magnitude 6.9, up from the initial 6.7 estimate.
The quake struck at 11.44am local time and had a depth of 17 km – slightly shallower than the preliminary estimate of around 20km.
The tsunami advisory, issued minutes after the tremor, has now been lifted. There were, however, some evacuations in Miyagi Prefecture, according to local media reports.
Megaquake advisory prompts hotel cancellations
05:45 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe Japan Meteorological Agency’s advisory warning of a possible megaquake following Monday’s strong Aomori tremor has prompted hotel booking cancellations across the region, The JiJi Press reported.
The alert, in effect until midnight Tuesday, urges residents in Hokkaido and the Sanriku coast to take precautions.
A “ryokan” owner in Hachinohe City told the outlet that there were “five or six reservation cancellations, mainly by people who planned to visit on business”.
She said a school team booking may also be withdrawn. She added: “We are urging guests to check evacuation sites and routes in advance to prepare for a big earthquake.”
Monday’s earthquake was followed by more than a dozen aftershocks over the next few days, and today a magnitude-6.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Aomori, briefly triggering a tsunami advisory along the Pacific coast.
Tsunami advisory lifted
05:27 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe Japan Meteorological Agency lifted the tsunami advisory that was issued minutes after the magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture this morning.
The advisory was in place for the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures.
The earthquake came just days after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake, which prompted authorities to issue a megaquake warning which remains in effect until midnight Tuesday.
Tsunami waves 20cm high reach Hokkaido and Aomori
05:22 , Maroosha MuzaffarBy about 1.00pm local time, tsunami waves roughly 20cm high had reached parts of Hokkaido and Aomori, local media said.
The tsunami advisory was issued minutes after magnitude-6.7 earthquake struck off Aomori’s eastern coast at 11.44am, at a depth of 20km.
Sendai City in Miyagi issues evacuation orders
05:21 , Maroosha MuzaffarSendai City in Miyagi Prefecture issued an evacuation order at 11.52am today, urging residents near the coast and rivers connected to the sea to move to safer inland locations, NHK Japan reported.
There are tsunami advisories and warnings in place for the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures.
A tsunami advisory is less severe than a full warning and simply instructs people in affected areas to keep clear of the coastline, while a warning urges people to take action to move away from the coast.
No abnormalities at nuclear facilities, Japan’s nuclear regulation authority says
05:09 , Maroosha MuzaffarTohoku Electric Power Company reports that the Higashidori nuclear power plant in Aomori Prefecture and the Onagawa plant in Miyagi Prefecture are operating normally, with no abnormalities detected, NHK Japan reported.
Tokyo Electric Power Company confirmed that Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear plants are stable, with radiation monitoring posts showing no unusual readings after this morning’s 6.7-magnitude earthquake.
Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority added that there are “no immediate signs of abnormalities” at nuclear facilities in the region affected by the quake.
Where did the latest earthquake strike?
04:45 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe 6.7-magnitude earthquake occurred off the east coast of Aomori prefecture, in the north of Honshu, the main Japanese island, at a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles) at 11.44am local time, JMA said.
The Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures could see a tsunami of up to 1 metre (3.2 feet), the agency added. Damage and injuries weren’t immediately clear.
The megaquake warning, issued a day after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck, remains in place until midnight Tuesday.
Tsunami advisory issued after magnitude-6.7 earthquake strikes off Aomori Prefecture
04:21 , Maroosha MuzaffarA magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck off Aomori at 11.44am today, prompting a tsunami advisory for coastal areas of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, waves of up to 1 metre are possible in the areas under the advisory.
The quake, which registered shindo 4 (Japanese earthquake intensity scale that runs from 0 to 7) in several prefectures, follows a stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor earlier in the week.
Authorities warn that the likelihood of another large quake remains elevated.
A tsunami advisory is less severe than a full warning and simply instructs people in affected areas to keep clear of the coastline. It does not call for evacuation.
Breaking: Japan issues new tsunami advisory after 6.7-magnitude earthquake
04:13 , Maroosha MuzaffarJapan has issued a fresh tsunami advisory after a 6.7 magnitude earthquake shook the country's northeast, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The quake occurred off the east coast of Aomori prefecture, in the north of Honshu, the main Japanese island, at a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles) at 11.44am local time, JMA said.
The Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures could see a tsunami of up to 1 metre (3.2 feet), the agency added. Damage and injuries weren't immediately clear.
How many prefectures does the megaquake advisory cover?
Thursday 11 December 2025 19:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever special advisory yesterday, warning of possible megaquake and tsunami along the Hokkaido and Sanriku coasts, following Monday’s magnitude-7.5 earthquake off Aomori Prefecture’s eastern shore.
The advisory is issued whenever a magnitude-7 or higher earthquake occurs in northern Japan, signalling an elevated risk of a major trench-type quake along the Japan Trench and Chishima Trench.
The advisory currently covers 182 municipalities across seven prefectures: 63 in Hokkaido, 28 in Aomori, 23 in Iwate, 35 in Miyagi, 10 in Fukushima, nine in Ibaraki, and 14 in Chiba.
Residents in these areas could experience strong shaking – lower 6 or higher on Japan’s intensity scale – and tsunamis exceeding three metres.
The alert system was established in December 2022, drawing on historical patterns showing that significant earthquakes often follow magnitude-7 events along these trenches.
This is the first time the advisory has been activated since the system was launched.
Japan turns to drones to warn people during natural disasters
Thursday 11 December 2025 18:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarJapan is increasingly using drones to help warn people during natural disasters, such as tsunamis and floods, especially in situations where human staff may not reach danger zones quickly enough or safely.
The push for drone use began after the 2011 tsunami, when municipal workers died while trying to alert residents.
Drones equipped with loudspeakers, cameras, and GPS can fly over rivers, coasts, and crowded areas to broadcast evacuation messages, officials told Japan’s Mainichi.
Cities like Tokushima, Sendai, Miyako, and Tsubata have begun using or testing the technology.
Sendai already uses drones that automatically launch when a tsunami warning is issued.
“It takes time for staff to gather, especially at night or on holidays, so this system offers high responsiveness. It can save lives,” a Sendai city official was quoted as saying.
Hachinohe pub secures bottles as megaquake advisory issued
Thursday 11 December 2025 17:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarAn employee at a local pub in Hachinohe City in Aomori Prefecture was seen securing bottles and glasses with tape at the pub after Monday’s magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck off northern Japan, scattering dishes and other items.
The nation’s weather agency has also issued a rare megaquake advisory and asked the public to stay vigilant for the next week.
The quake on Monday night injured about 51 people, damaged roads, and left thousands without power amid freezing temperatures.
Japanese weather agency updates number of aftershocks post Monday’s 7.5-magnitude earthquake
Thursday 11 December 2025 16:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarJapan experienced a powerful earthquake on Monday at 11.15pm local time off the coast of Aomori Prefecture, followed by a series of aftershocks over the next several days.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency’s latest statement, from 11.00pm on 8 December to 2.00pm on 11 December, a total of 25 earthquakes of seismic intensity 1 or higher (on the Japanese earthquake intensity scale that runs from 0 to 7) were recorded.
On 9 December alone, there were a total of 16 aftershocks, according to the JMA statement.
Multiple tremors including one of magnitude 5.7 strike Japan
Thursday 11 December 2025 15:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarJapan has recorded a series of powerful aftershocks in the past several hours, including a magnitude 5.7 earthquake near the east coast of Honshu and a 4.9 earthquake in the Hokkaido region shortly after.
Two smaller quakes, of magnitudes 3.2 and 3, were also detected near the southern coast of Honshu.
These come after the magnitude-7.5 earthquake that struck the country on Monday night, after which a megaquake advisory was also issued.
What might happen if a major trench earthquake strikes
Thursday 11 December 2025 14:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe Japanese authorities have put in place a megaquake advisory after a magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck northern Japan.
It warns that the chances of a huge earthquake of magnitude 8 or higher are greater for roughly a week after Monday night’s sizeable tremor.
A post on the Japan Meteorological Agency website provides some projections for what the impact might be if a particularly large megaquake strikes an ocean trench off Japan.
It says a megaquake of the highest class is an extremely rare event, occurring “once every thousand years or even less frequently”.
The damage and casualties caused would vary depending on the season, time of day, and weather conditions.
The forecasts show that Hokkaido could face tsunamis between 10 and 20 metres, with Erimo Town possibly seeing nearly 30 metres.
Western Hokkaido areas like Tomakomai and Hakodate might get around 10 metres.
In Aomori, Hachinohe could experience tsunamis over 25 metres, while the Pacific coasts of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima might see 10–30 metres.
The strongest shaking is expected in Hokkaido, with Akkeshi Town possibly reaching intensity 7 (on the Japan earthquake intensity scale), and areas east of Erimo reaching 6+.
Northern Honshu, including the Pacific coasts of Aomori and southern Iwate, could also feel 6+ intensity shaking.
Understanding Japan’s seismic activity and megaquake advisory
Thursday 11 December 2025 13:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarJapan sits at the junction of several tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world.
While earthquakes are common, some of the most powerful and dangerous ones originate from ocean trenches.
Monday’s magnitude-7.5 earthquake in northern Japan has brought attention back to the Japan Trench and the Chishima Trench.
A trench earthquake occurs along a deep crack in the ocean floor, called a trench, where one tectonic plate slides beneath another in a process known as subduction.
Over years or decades, stress builds as the plates get stuck.
When that stress is suddenly released, it can produce a powerful megathrust earthquake.
Because these earthquakes occur under the ocean, they often generate tsunamis, which can be extremely large and destructive.
The Japan Trench, off the east coast of Honshu, and the Chishima Trench, off northern Hokkaido and stretching toward the Kuril Islands, are key locations for these events.
These trenches have produced some of Japan’s most devastating earthquakes, including the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, a magnitude 9.0 megathrust quake that triggered massive tsunamis along the coast.
Historical patterns show that magnitude-7 or higher quakes in these regions can be followed by even larger earthquakes, according to the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA).
This is why Japan established a megaquake advisory system – a special alert to warn residents of northern Japan when the risk of a major trench-type earthquake and tsunami is elevated.
Megaquake advisory remains in effect
Thursday 11 December 2025 12:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarAuthorities have confirmed that the megaquake advisory remains in effect following Monday’s earthquake in northern Japan.
Multiple powerful aftershocks have also rocked Japan in the two days since, although none on a par with Monday night's 7.5-magnitude tremor.
Residents and travellers in affected areas have been urged to stay vigilant, follow official guidance, and monitor updates from the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The megaquake advisory is in effect until 16 December. Officials estimate there is a one in 100 chance of the “big one” – an earthquake of magnitude 8 or higher – striking.
Citizens across 182 municipalities in seven prefectures along the Pacific coast, ranging from Hokkaido in the north down to Chiba Prefecture, have been asked to stay vigilant and keep megaquake grab-and-go emergency kits ready in case of any emergency.
Safety recommendations for residents and travellers
Thursday 11 December 2025 11:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarPeople in Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Pacific coastal areas from Hokkaido to Chiba – where a megaquake advisory is in effect – have been advised by the authorities to:
- Stay away from coastal areas
- Check evacuation routes and nearby shelters
- Prepare emergency supplies (water, food, portable toilet, lights, chargers)
- Secure furniture and household items to prevent injuries
- Follow updates from local governments, JMA, and official emergency channels
Japanese weather agency issues updated safety advisory
Thursday 11 December 2025 10:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued updated guidance after the recent magnitude 7.5 earthquake in northern Japan.
JMA warned that in regions that felt strong shaking, the chances of house collapses and landslides have increased.
Residents have been urged to avoid dangerous locations like coastal areas unless necessary, monitor seismic activity and rainfall, and follow updates from local authorities.
JMA also warned that strong aftershocks – potentially up to shindo 6+ (Japanese earthquake intensity scale that runs from 0 to 7) may occur for about a week, with the highest risk in the first two to three days.
JMA says that till midnight Tuesday, residents in affected areas are asked to take special preparations, reaffirm their usual disaster readiness, check supplies, and confirm evacuation routes.
Mapped: Japan aftershocks after 7.5-magnitude earthquake
Thursday 11 December 2025 09:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarJapan has experienced a series of aftershocks following Monday night’s powerful earthquake off the coast of Aomori.
The initial quake, which struck around 11.15pm, about 50 miles offshore, injured at least 51 people and triggered tsunami warnings, with waves reported up to 70cm.
Since then, more than a dozen aftershocks have struck, ranging in magnitude from 1 to 6.4. A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck off eastern Aomori Prefecture at 3.22pm local time on Tuesday.
Yesterday, a magnitude 5.7 aftershock hit near the east coast of Honshu, followed by a 4.9 quake in Hokkaido.
Smaller tremors of magnitudes 3.2 and 3 were also detected near the southern coast of Honshu.
Care facilities unsure how to respond in case of an emergency as megaquake advisory remains in effect
Thursday 11 December 2025 08:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarJapan issued its first-ever megaquake advisory for 182 municipalities along the Pacific coast, urging residents to be prepared to evacuate immediately if strong shaking occurs.
The advisory has left some care facilities unsure of how to respond to the unprecedented situation, the Japan Times reported.
The newspaper noted some facilities, like a nursing home in Misawa, are well-prepared, having secured furniture, rechecked evacuation routes, and stocked up on supplies.
But others, like a facility for people with intellectual disabilities in Urakawa, expressed concerns about their evacuation capabilities, particularly given the high level of individual care required for residents.
“Each person needs individual care, and we don’t have the manpower to evacuate everyone at once,” the director of the facility was quoted as saying by the outlet.
“I honestly don’t know what measures we’re supposed to take, or how far we need to go.”
A director at a nursing home in Chiba Prefecture also said that the new advisory was unfamiliar, despite regular evacuation drills and emergency preparedness measures.
“Being prepared is everything,” the unidentified person was quoted as saying.
What might happen if a major trench earthquake strikes
Thursday 11 December 2025 07:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe Japanese authorities have put in place a megaquake advisory after a magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck northern Japan.
It warns that the chances of a huge earthquake of magnitude 8 or higher are greater for roughly a week after Monday night’s sizeable tremor.
A post on the Japan Meteorological Agency website provides some projections for what the impact might be if a particularly large megaquake strikes an ocean trench off Japan.
It says a megaquake of the highest class is an extremely rare event, occurring “once every thousand years or even less frequently”.
The damage and casualties caused would vary depending on the season, time of day, and weather conditions.
The forecasts show that Hokkaido could face tsunamis between 10 and 20 metres, with Erimo Town possibly seeing nearly 30 metres.
Western Hokkaido areas like Tomakomai and Hakodate might get around 10 metres.
In Aomori, Hachinohe could experience tsunamis over 25 metres, while the Pacific coasts of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima might see 10–30 metres.
The strongest shaking is expected in Hokkaido, with Akkeshi Town possibly reaching intensity 7 (on the Japan earthquake intensity scale), and areas east of Erimo reaching 6+.
Northern Honshu, including the Pacific coasts of Aomori and southern Iwate, could also feel 6+ intensity shaking.
Understanding Japan’s seismic activity and megaquake advisory
Thursday 11 December 2025 06:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarJapan sits at the junction of several tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world.
While earthquakes are common, some of the most powerful and dangerous ones originate from ocean trenches.
Monday’s magnitude-7.5 earthquake in northern Japan has brought attention back to the Japan Trench and the Chishima Trench.
A trench earthquake occurs along a deep crack in the ocean floor, called a trench, where one tectonic plate slides beneath another in a process known as subduction.
Over years or decades, stress builds as the plates get stuck.
When that stress is suddenly released, it can produce a powerful megathrust earthquake.
Because these earthquakes occur under the ocean, they often generate tsunamis, which can be extremely large and destructive.
The Japan Trench, off the east coast of Honshu, and the Chishima Trench, off northern Hokkaido and stretching toward the Kuril Islands, are key locations for these events.
These trenches have produced some of Japan’s most devastating earthquakes, including the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, a magnitude 9.0 megathrust quake that triggered massive tsunamis along the coast.
Historical patterns show that magnitude-7 or higher quakes in these regions can be followed by even larger earthquakes, according to the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA).
This is why Japan established a megaquake advisory system – a special alert to warn residents of northern Japan when the risk of a major trench-type earthquake and tsunami is elevated.
Japan’s earthquake, aftershocks and ‘megaquake’ advisory: What we know so far
Thursday 11 December 2025 05:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarJapan experienced a series of powerful aftershocks, including a 5.7-magnitude quake off the east coast of Honshu and a 4.9-magnitude quake in Hokkaido, along with smaller tremors near southern Honshu, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre.
The Japanese Fire and Disaster Management Agency has revised the casualty count from Monday night’s 7.5-magnitude earthquake, confirming that 51 people were injured across Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate provinces. Seven of those were rated as suffering severe injuries.
In the aftermath of that powerful tremor, Japan’s weather agency issued its first-ever top-tier warning for a “megaquake”, or an earthquake of magnitude 8 or greater.
The megaquake advisory covers 182 municipalities across seven prefectures along the Pacific coast, from Hokkaido down to Chiba.
Officials have said that there has been no significant damage to major infrastructure and that nuclear power plant facilities were also unscathed after Monday’s earthquake.
Municipalities ramped up their preparedness in the wake of the megaquake advisory, which is in effect until 16 December. Local governments updated residents, checked emergency stocks, and tested communication systems.
Citizens were urged to keep grab-and-go emergency megaquake kits ready. Officials also issued public safety recommendations and urged families to sleep in the same room as elderly or vulnerable members and wear day clothes at night to allow faster evacuation in case of any emergency.
Most schools across northern Japan resumed classes today. Students shared stories of fear during the quake, but said daily life was slowly returning to normal. Drills and evacuation reviews took place in many classrooms, according to local reports.
Some examples of damage have been reported after Monday's quake, including to the historic Chojasan Shinra Shrine in Aomori's Hachinohe city. A pub owner in Hachinohe was seen taping bottles to the wall after the quake smashed untethered glass items.
In the wake of Monday’s 7.5-magnitude earthquake, social media saw a wave of fake videos and conspiracy theories about the quake’s cause. Officials urged the public to rely only on verified government sources.
Even though the megaquake advisory remains in place and citizens have been urged to stay vigilant, there is currently no need for citizens to evacuate.
Google blamed for ‘dangerous’ tsunami information after Monday’s earthquake
Thursday 11 December 2025 04:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarGoogle’s AI-generated tsunami summaries reportedly gave dangerously false information after Monday’s earthquake in northern Japan, incorrectly saying that all tsunami warnings had been lifted while alerts were still active.
Tests by The Asahi Shimbun showed that the AI repeatedly provided outdated and inaccurate details, including wrong earthquake data.
Experts warned that such AI “hallucinations” pose serious risks during disasters, where lives depend on accurate, real-time information.
Masahiro Tsuji, a senior consultant at Faber Company Inc who specialises in the mechanics of search engines, told the outlet that using AI-powered answers during emergencies is very dangerous.
“AI-generated search results may present misinformation that appears credible, a phenomenon known as ‘hallucination,’” he said.
“False information must not be displayed--even once--in the field of disaster response, where lives are at stake,” Tsuji said.
Multiple tremors including one of magnitude 5.7 strike Japan
Thursday 11 December 2025 03:34 , Maroosha MuzaffarJapan has recorded a series of powerful aftershocks in the past several hours, including a magnitude 5.7 earthquake near the east coast of Honshu and a 4.9 earthquake in the Hokkaido region shortly after.
Two smaller quakes, of magnitudes 3.2 and 3, were also detected near the southern coast of Honshu.
These come after the magnitude-7.5 earthquake that struck the country on Monday night, after which a megaquake advisory was also issued.
Schools in northern and northeastern Japan reopened on Wednesday
Thursday 11 December 2025 03:30 , Shaheena UddinMost schools in northeastern and northern Japan reopened on Wednesday after closures caused by Monday night’s magnitude-7.5 earthquake off Aomori Prefecture, though a rare megaquake alert remains in effect for coastal regions from Hokkaido to Chiba.
Over 300 schools across five prefectures – Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima – were closed on Tuesday, with some remaining shut due to quake damage.
Students have been asked to be ready for immediate evacuation for about a week.
At reopened schools, including a public elementary in Hachinohe, Aomori, no injuries were reported, and children quickly returned to normal routines, Mainichi reported.
Teachers conducted drills and reviewed evacuation procedures, while students shared experiences of fear and family preparedness following the quake, the outlet reported.
The Japan Meteorological Agency had issued tsunami warnings for parts of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate, with Kuji Port recording a 70-centimetre wave.
Is it safe to travel to Japan? Megaquake warning sparked by 7.5-magnitude tremor
Thursday 11 December 2025 02:30 , Shaheena UddinHere is the latest travel advice and what you need to know following the massive earthquake in northern Japan.
Recap: Latest quake had a magnitude of 5.7 off Honshu island
Thursday 11 December 2025 01:30 , Shaheena UddinOn Wednesday, the latest quake took place in a series of earthquakes which have occurred in Japan recently.
The most recent earthquake had a magnitude of 5.7 and struck off the east coast of Honshu, Japan, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said.
The quake was at a depth of 31 km, EMSC said. It was earlier reported as having a magnitude at 6.5 and depth at 57 km but this was downgraded.
There were no immediate reports of damage after the quake.
Map shows where latest earthquake struck
Thursday 11 December 2025 00:30 , Shaheena UddinThe latest earthquake has struck off the north east coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu.
The epicentre, the red circle in the GEOFON map below, is also south of the smaller island of Hokkaido.
Why did Japan issue an advisory for possible megaquake?
Wednesday 10 December 2025 23:40 , Shaheena UddinOn Tuesday, Japan issued a megaquake advisory after a magnitude 7.5 struck off the eastern coast of Aomori, north of the main island of Honshu.
The areas covered by the advisory extend across 182 municipalities from Hokkaido to Chiba prefecture.
Japan’s Meterological Agency said that Monday’s quake increased potential risks in the regions of Hokkaido and Sanriku coast due to the Pacific plate which has been home to many earthquakes in the past.
They warned another offshore megaquake in the Hokkaido-Sanriku area could cause up to a 30-meter (98-foot) tsunami in the region, kill as many as 199,000 people, destroy up to 220,000 houses and buildings, and cause estimated economic damages of up to 31 trillion yen ($198 billion), according to an estimate by the government. It says as many as 42,000 people could suffer from hypothermia in the winter.
Watch: Moment powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit Japan on Monday
Wednesday 10 December 2025 22:40 , Shaheena UddinWhat happend during the 2011 earthquake?
Wednesday 10 December 2025 21:40 , Shaheena UddinJapan saw a deadly earthquake and tsunami in 2011 which was caused by movement associated with the Japan Trench. It spans from off the eastern coast of Chiba to Aomori, and the Chishima Trench goes from the eastern coast of Hokkaido to the northern islands and the Kurils.
The 2011 quake caused a tsunami that battered northern coastal towns in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures. The tsunami, which topped 15 meters (50 feet) in some areas, slammed into and destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. That created deep fears of radiation that linger to this day.
The magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami claimed the lives of 15,894, and the subsequent damage to the reactors at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant causing the nuclear disaster forced 99,750 people to live as evacuees away from contaminated areas.
Japanese government warns megaquake could kill 300,000 and halve GDP
Wednesday 10 December 2025 20:40 , Shaheena UddinThe Japan Meteorological Agency said there was an increased possibility of an earthquake of magnitude 8 or stronger along the Japan Trench and the Chishima Trench, marking its first activation of a top-tier alert since the system was introduced in 2022.
The Independent's Asia Climate correspondent Stuti Mishra reports:
Japanese government warns megaquake could kill 300,000 and halve GDP
Japan’s earthquake and ‘megaquake’ advisory: What we know so far
Wednesday 10 December 2025 19:40 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe Japanese Fire and Disaster Management Agency has revised the casualty count from Monday night’s 7.5-magnitude earthquake, confirming that 51 people were injured across Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate provinces. Seven of those were rated as suffering severe injuries.
In the aftermath of that powerful tremor, Japan’s weather agency issued its first-ever top-tier warning for a “megaquake”, or an earthquake of magnitude 8 or greater. The megaquake advisory covers 182 municipalities across seven prefectures along the Pacific coast, from Hokkaido down to Chiba.
Officials have said that there has been no significant damage to major infrastructure and that nuclear power plant facilities were also unscathed after Monday’s earthquake.
Municipalities ramped up their preparedness in the wake of the megaquake advisory, which is in effect until 16 December.
Local governments updated residents, checked emergency stocks, and tested communication systems. Citizens were urged to keep grab-and-go emergency megaquake kits ready.
Officials also issued public safety recommendations and urged families to sleep in the same room as elderly or vulnerable members and wear day clothes at night to allow faster evacuation in case of any emergency.
Most schools across northern Japan resumed classes today. Students shared stories of fear during the quake, but said daily life was slowly returning to normal. Drills and evacuation reviews took place in many classrooms, according to local reports.
Some examples of damage have been reported after Monday’s quake, including to the historic Chojasan Shinra Shrine in Aomori’s Hachinohe city.
A pub owner in Hachinohe was seen taping bottles to the wall after the quake smashed untethered glass items.
In the wake of Monday’s 7.5-magnitude earthquake, social media saw a wave of fake videos and conspiracy theories about the quake’s cause. Officials urged the public to rely only on verified government sources.
Even though the megaquake advisory remains in place and citizens have been urged to stay vigilant, there is currently no need for citizens to evacuate.
PM Takaichi urges residents to take ‘disaster-prevention measures’ amid megaquake fears
Wednesday 10 December 2025 19:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarPrime minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters yesterday: “Due to the earthquake, the likelihood of a major earthquake occurring in the Hokkaido to the Sanriku offshore region is assessed to be higher than during normal times.”
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a warning for Hokkaido and the Sanriku coast, including Aomori, Miyagi, and Iwate, advising residents to stay alert for possible larger quakes in the coming days.
Takaichi said: “While fully understanding that it remains uncertain whether a major earthquake will actually occur, please take appropriate disaster-prevention measures based on the principle that you are responsible for protecting your own life.”
Takaichi urged residents to continue their day-to-day activities but asked them to remain vigilant for updates from Japan’s weather agency and local officials, while reviewing and reinforcing their evacuation plans in case a larger earthquake occurs.
Number of people injured by 7.5-magnitude earthquake rises to 51
Wednesday 10 December 2025 18:20 , Maroosha MuzaffarMonday night’s magnitude-7.5 earthquake injured at least 51 people, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Earlier, the agency had said 34 were injured.
Eleven of them are from Hokkaido, 36 are in Aomori, and four are in Iwate prefecture.
Officials said that as of Wednesday morning, seven of the injuries were considered severe.
Is it safe to travel to Japan? Megaquake warning sparked by 7.5-magnitude tremor
Wednesday 10 December 2025 17:40 , Maroosha MuzaffarHere is the latest travel advice and what you need to know following the massive earthquake in northern Japan:
What is a megaquake?
Wednesday 10 December 2025 17:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarJapan’s weather agency has issued a megaquake warning, the highest level of earthquake alert, hours after a 7.5 magnitude tremor struck the country.
Residents living near the Pacific coast have been urged by authorities to remain vigilant throughout the coming week and prepare evacuation plans in case they need to flee their homes.
At least 51 people were injured in the earthquake on Monday night, with waves reaching up to 70cm seen in several coastal communities.
Read more here:
What is a megaquake? Japan issues warning for disaster that could kills thousands
How likely is it for a megaquake to strike?
Wednesday 10 December 2025 16:20 , Maroosha MuzaffarMegaquakes are inherently unpredictable and can strike anywhere in Japan without warning.
However, the Japanese weather agency has said that they are sometimes preceded by a “somewhat smaller” earthquake of magnitude 7 or higher.
Historically, two major quakes were triggered just one to two days after such precursor events.
For example, a magnitude-7.3 quake off Sanriku in 2011 was followed two days later by the magnitude-9.0 Great East Japan Earthquake.
Similarly, in 1963, a magnitude-7 quake southeast of Etorofu Island was followed 18 hours later by a magnitude 8.5 event.
Despite these cases, the agency has said that – based on global earthquake statistics – the likelihood of a major quake occurring after such an advisory is issued is only about one per cent, or roughly once in every 100 advisories.
Map shows where latest earthquake struck
Wednesday 10 December 2025 16:13 , Sam RkainaThe latest earthquake has struck off the north east coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu.
The epicentre, the red circle in the GEOFON map below, is also south of the smaller island of Hokkaido.
Earthquake intensity revised down to 5.7
Wednesday 10 December 2025 15:53 , Sam RkainaThe intensity of Wednesday’s earthquake has been revised down to 5.7, after it was initially reported to be 6.5.
The latest tremor struck off the east coast of Honshu, Japan’s main island, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said.
The quake was at a depth of 31 km, EMSC added.
The agency earlier put the magnitude at 6.5 with a depth of 57 km, and said that it was in the Hokkaido region in the north of the country.
There were no immediate reports of damage after the quake.
Schools in northern and northeastern Japan reopen today
Wednesday 10 December 2025 15:40 , Maroosha MuzaffarMost schools in northeastern and northern Japan reopened today after closures caused by Monday night’s magnitude-7.5 earthquake off Aomori Prefecture, though a rare megaquake alert remains in effect for coastal regions from Hokkaido to Chiba.
Over 300 schools across five prefectures – Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima – were closed yesterday, with some remaining shut due to quake damage.
Students have been asked to be ready for immediate evacuation for about a week.
At reopened schools, including a public elementary in Hachinohe, Aomori, no injuries were reported, and children quickly returned to normal routines, Mainichi reported.
Teachers conducted drills and reviewed evacuation procedures, while students shared experiences of fear and family preparedness following the quake, the outlet reported.
The Japan Meteorological Agency had issued tsunami warnings for parts of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate, with Kuji Port recording a 70-centimetre wave.
The ongoing special alert for a potential massive quake covers 182 municipalities in seven prefectures.
Breaking: Hokkaido hit by 6.5 magnitude earthquake
Wednesday 10 December 2025 15:27 , Sam RkainaThe Hokkaido region in Japan has been hit by earthquake of magnitude 6.5.
The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said the latest quake was at a depth of 57 km.
It comes amid an ongoing warning from Japanese authorities that a megaquake could the region - a tremor of 8.0 or more.
Historic shrine in Aomori Prefecture sustains significant damage in Monday’s magnitude-7.5 earthquake
Wednesday 10 December 2025 15:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarIn Hachinohe City in Aomori Prefecture, Chojasan Shinra Shrine sustained significant damage from the magnitude 7.5 earthquake on Monday, local reports said.
Large stone lanterns lining both sides of the shrine were toppled, according to Nippon TV, while the torii gate’s historical signboard was left leaning.
The roof over the offering box area has also collapsed, and the glass doors of the main hall were shattered.
In the inner sanctuary, the outlet reported, a hole has appeared in the historic structure that was last renovated in 1827.
The shrine staff said that they had just begun preparations for the New Year, but these have now been disrupted by the destruction caused by the earthquake.
Chojasan Shinra Shrine is one of three shrines that participate in Hachinohe’s annual “Three Shrine Festival”.
The festival runs from 31 July to 4 August, during which portable shrines called o-mikoshi are carried from Ogami Shrine to Chojasan Shinra Shrine.
On 2 August, the shrine also hosts a Kagami-style Dakyu tournament. Dakyu is a traditional Japanese horseback team sport similar to polo, and it is now practised in only three locations in Japan, according to the shrine website.
Fake news and misinformation spreads on social media in the wake of earthquake
Wednesday 10 December 2025 14:20 , Maroosha MuzaffarFalse claims and AI-generated videos spread rapidly on social media after the magnitude-7.5 earthquake that struck Aomori Prefecture on Monday night, with conspiracy theories wrongly suggesting the quake was man-made.
Authorities, including the Japan Meteorological Agency, warned the public to avoid unverified information, noting that Japan does not and cannot predict quakes by exact date.
Misleading posts on X, Threads, and TikTok recycled patterns seen in past disasters, including fake tsunami footage and fabricated news clips.
No significant damage to infrastructure reported
Wednesday 10 December 2025 13:40 , Maroosha MuzaffarThere was no significant damage to infrastructure and no abnormalities at any of Japan’s nuclear power plants after Monday’s massive earthquake.
Chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters that the government was still assessing the situation, gathering details on casualties and property damage, and had activated a crisis management office at the Prime Minister’s Office.
He said: “Based on the instruction from the prime minister, we are mobilising all resources for assessing the damage, conducting search-and-rescue operations and implementing emergency disaster relief measures under the policy of prioritising human life.”
Japan municipalities prepare for megaquake emergency
Wednesday 10 December 2025 13:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarMunicipalities in Japan have published explanations of the megaquake advisory on their websites and have begun checking their stocks of relief supplies and equipment for use at evacuation centres.
In Fukushima’s Iwaki City, officials urged residents to sign up for emergency email alerts, while in the town of Oarai in Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo, authorities inspected wireless communication systems to ensure they function during any further emergencies.
In the aftermath of Monday’s earthquake, officials have urged residents to keep an emergency bag stocked with several days’ worth of essential supplies, including food, water, medication, sturdy shoes and protective helmets.
Yesterday, Japan’s weather agency issued its highest-level warning that a megaquake could follow Monday’s 7.5-magnitude tremor.
Authorities urged anyone living near the Pacific coast to remain vigilant throughout the coming week.
Sleep in the same room as elders, government recommends in the wake of megaquake advisory
Wednesday 10 December 2025 12:20 , Maroosha MuzaffarIn the wake of the megaquake advisory issued by the Japanese Meteorological Agency, the government has recommended sleeping in the same room with those who may need extra care, such as children and older adults, to ensure their safety during emergencies, according to The Japan Times.
Wearing day clothes instead of pyjamas that allow for quick evacuation without the need to change can save precious time in case of sudden danger, the recommendations say.
More than 30 people were injured in Monday’s magnitude-7.5 earthquake.
A rare megaquake advisory is in effect for coastal regions from Hokkaido to Chiba till 16 December.
How many prefectures does the megaquake advisory cover?
Wednesday 10 December 2025 11:40 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever special advisory yesterday, warning of possible megaquake and tsunami along the Hokkaido and Sanriku coasts, following Monday’s magnitude-7.5 earthquake off Aomori Prefecture’s eastern shore.
The advisory is issued whenever a magnitude-7 or higher earthquake occurs in northern Japan, signalling an elevated risk of a major trench-type quake along the Japan Trench and Chishima Trench.
The advisory currently covers 182 municipalities across seven prefectures: 63 in Hokkaido, 28 in Aomori, 23 in Iwate, 35 in Miyagi, 10 in Fukushima, nine in Ibaraki, and 14 in Chiba.
Residents in these areas could experience strong shaking – lower 6 or higher on Japan’s intensity scale – and tsunamis exceeding three metres.
The alert system was established in December 2022, drawing on historical patterns showing that significant earthquakes often follow magnitude-7 events along these trenches.
This is the first time the advisory has been activated since the system was launched.
Japan’s earthquake and ‘megaquake’ advisory: What we know so far
Wednesday 10 December 2025 11:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe Japanese Fire and Disaster Management Agency has revised the casualty count from Monday night’s 7.5-magnitude earthquake, confirming that 51 people were injured across Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate provinces. Seven of those were rated as suffering severe injuries.
In the aftermath of that powerful tremor, Japan’s weather agency issued its first-ever top-tier warning for a “megaquake”, or an earthquake of magnitude 8 or greater. The megaquake advisory covers 182 municipalities across seven prefectures along the Pacific coast, from Hokkaido down to Chiba.
Officials have said that there has been no significant damage to major infrastructure and that nuclear power plant facilities were also unscathed after Monday’s earthquake.
Municipalities ramped up their preparedness in the wake of the megaquake advisory, which is in effect until 16 December.
Local governments updated residents, checked emergency stocks, and tested communication systems. Citizens were urged to keep grab-and-go emergency megaquake kits ready.
Officials also issued public safety recommendations and urged families to sleep in the same room as elderly or vulnerable members and wear day clothes at night to allow faster evacuation in case of any emergency.
Most schools across northern Japan resumed classes today. Students shared stories of fear during the quake, but said daily life was slowly returning to normal. Drills and evacuation reviews took place in many classrooms, according to local reports.
Some examples of damage have been reported after Monday’s quake, including to the historic Chojasan Shinra Shrine in Aomori’s Hachinohe city.
A pub owner in Hachinohe was seen taping bottles to the wall after the quake smashed untethered glass items.
In the wake of Monday’s 7.5-magnitude earthquake, social media saw a wave of fake videos and conspiracy theories about the quake’s cause. Officials urged the public to rely only on verified government sources.
Even though the megaquake advisory remains in place and citizens have been urged to stay vigilant, there is currently no need for citizens to evacuate.
Expert says do not ignore possibility of a megaquake
Wednesday 10 December 2025 10:20 , Maroosha MuzaffarJapanese authorities estimate that there is a 1 per cent chance of a massive earthquake occurring within the next week.
The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued its highest-level warning that a megaquake could follow yesterday’s 7.5-magnitude tremor.
Authorities urged anyone living near the Pacific coast to remain vigilant throughout the coming week and to prepare evacuation plans in case they need to flee their homes.
Professor Sekiya Naoya of the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School warns that if such a disaster were to strike, up to 200,000 lives could be at risk.
According to NHK Japan, he urged the public not to ignore this possibility, and added that the Japan Meteorological Agency’s advisory should serve as a reminder to review emergency plans and preparedness measures.
Students returning to school today recount the horrors of Monday’s earthquake as life slowly returns to normal
Wednesday 10 December 2025 09:40 , Maroosha MuzaffarStudents were seen returning to their classrooms in northern Japan today after Monday’s magnitude-7.5 earthquake.
“Yesterday, I discussed with my family what we should do when the next earthquake strikes. I’m happy to see my friends,” Aren Shirayama, a 9-year-old third grader told Japan’s Mainichi.
Sixth-grader Asahi Yoshida, 12, shared: “I was scared since furniture toppled over and dishes were scattered. I spent time yesterday talking with my family and playing games. Our usual daily life has returned.”
Meanwhile, teachers at an elementary school in Shinhidaka, along southern Hokkaido’s coast, reviewed evacuation procedures during morning drills.
Naomi Kumagai, the school’s vice principal, said: “Children appeared to be the same as usual.”
Authorities continue to monitor the region amid a megaquake advisory.
