A strong 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off northern Japan late Monday night.

By Aniket Chakraborty Dec 20, 2025 Arrow WORLD NEWS

The quake hit about 80 km off Aomori, triggering tsunami warnings across Pacific coastal areas.

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At least 33 people were injured, most due to falling objects, officials confirmed.

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Tsunami waves of up to 70 cm were recorded in Iwate Prefecture before alerts were lifted.

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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi formed an emergency task force to assess damage urgently.

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Power outages hit hundreds of homes, while bullet trains and local rail services were suspended.

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About 480 residents took shelter at a military air base as helicopters surveyed damage.

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Minor damage was reported at airports, including ceiling collapses at New Chitose Airport.

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Nuclear regulators confirmed no safety threat despite water spillage at a fuel facility.

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Japan’s weather agency warned of possible aftershocks, urging preparedness along the northeast coast.

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