Japan earthquake jolts Iwate coast during rush hour, no tsunami warning

Tokyo,UPDATED: Jun 25, 2026 18:46 IST

A powerful earthquake struck off Japan's northern coast during Thursday morning rush hour, shaking dozens of towns across the country's north-east and being mildly felt in Tokyo. Japan's meteorological agency said there was no danger of a tsunami, while no serious injuries were reported.

The quake hit an area off the eastern coast of Iwate prefecture where strong tremors have been reported repeatedly in recent months, including one in December that led to a week-long megaquake caution advisory. Authorities said they were gathering information, checking damage and preparing relief operations if needed.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake had a magnitude of 7.2, upgraded from an initial reading of 6.9, and struck at a depth of about 50 kilometres. The US Geological Survey also reported the quake and put its magnitude at 6.9.

Eight people were injured in the northern prefectures of Aomori and Iwate, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Japanese media reported no life-threatening injuries, saying most of the injuries were caused by falls or by people being hit by falling objects.

In Tokyo, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters that her government's emergency team is "putting people's lives first," while assessing information and preparing for relief operations, if needed. She also urged people in the affected areas to remain alert for possible aftershocks.

In Hashikami town, primary school principal Tomoko Nagane told NHK that her car shook from side to side while she was driving to work. She said children who had already gathered at the school were safe, though some were crying in fear. Classes were cancelled for the day and all the children returned home safely.

Footage broadcast by NHK showed scenes from several towns, including Sendai and Morioka, where reporters said they felt shaking for a couple of minutes but had not seen any damage. Videos also showed people continuing their commute as usual.

East Japan Railway Co. said some bullet trains and local train services in the north-eastern region were temporarily suspended for safety checks. Government spokesperson Minoru Kihara said nuclear power plants and facilities, including the Fukushima Daiichi plant and a spent fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori, had reported no abnormalities after the quake.

Japan is among the world's most earthquake-prone countries, and Thursday's quake again shook a region that has seen repeated seismic activity in recent months, though authorities said there was no tsunami risk and no report of serious injuries.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends