A powerful earthquake has struck off the northern coast of Japan, sending shockwaves across the region and triggering tsunami warnings along multiple areas on the coastline.

The quake, measured at approximately 7.7 magnitude, hit offshore at a relatively shallow depth, which intensifies its impact and prompts immediate emergency alerts. Within minutes, authorities issued tsunami warnings, cautioning that waves could reach up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) in some areas. While initial waves were smaller, ranging from under a foot to a few feet, stronger surges could still follow.

Tens of thousands of residents across northern Japan were urged to evacuate coastal zones, with emergency systems activated and local transportation, including bullet trains, temporarily being shut down out of an extra precaution.

So far, there have been no immediate reports of widespread destruction or casualties, though the situation remains fluid as aftershocks continue to ripple through the region. Japan’s Meteorological Agency has issued an advisory of an increased risk of a potential “mega-quake”, which is a much larger earthquake that could follow in the coming days. While such an event is not certain, they say that the probability has risen above normal levels, meaning residents should remain on high alert and be prepared for more seismic activity.

The quake struck in a region that still remembers the 2011 disaster vividly, when a massive earthquake and tsunami killed more than 20,000 people, making any warnings especially chilling. Japan is located along the active Pacific “Ring of Fire,” and therefore, they are no stranger to earthquakes, but the combination of a powerful offshore tremor, tsunami alerts, and renewed mega quake concerns has made many very nervous.