6.9 earthquake strikes off the coast of Japan, tsunami threat passes

A powerful quake of 6.9 Richter rattled northern Japan Sunday evening, followed by several more temblors, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

At first, a tsunami advisory was issued, but it was later called off. Some waves measuring 20 centimetres were recorded in some areas.

The earthquake hit off the coast of Iwate prefecture at a depth of 10 kilometres below the sea surface, at about 5 pm Japan time.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, or any reports of abnormalities at the two nuclear power plants in the area.

A tsunami of up to 1 meter was expected along the northern coast, and the advisory remained in place for an hour after the initial quake.

There were no initial reports of injuries or damage following the quake.

Bullet trains in the area were temporarily delayed, according to the JR East railway operator. The quakes had also caused power shortages, local news reports said.

Operations were temporarily suspended between Sendai and Shin-Aomori train stations as the Tohoku Shinkansen briefly lost power, according to East Japan Railway.

Meanwhile, no abnormalities were reported at the Onagawa nuclear power plant in Miyagi Prefecture.

Similar or stronger quakes could occur in the coming days

A JMA official said at a news conference Sunday evening that earthquakes of similar or even stronger intensity could occur in the next few days.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted a message on her X account, urging people to move away from the coast and remain on alert for aftershocks and tsunami waves that could hit the area.

Tsunami waves that follow earthquakes can continue for a few hours afterwards, hitting the coast repeatedly, and may grow larger over time. More quakes, which could be aftershocks, were also continuing in Iwate Prefecture.