7.5-magnitude quake hits Japan, authorities warn of possible megaquake

A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan at 11:15 p.m. on Dec. 8. The quake occurred 54 kilometers deep off the Pacific coast of Aomori Prefecture. It initially triggered a tsunami warning that was later lifted, though authorities issued a potential megaquake advisory, NHK World reported.

According to the Associated Press, citing the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, 33 people were injured, including one seriously, with most injuries caused by falling objects. NHK World, citing Tokyo Electric Power Company, reported that no injuries or abnormalities had been reported at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear plants. Other power plants also reported no issues.

Tohoku Electric Power Co. stated that power was largely restored by the morning of Dec. 9, though about 800 households remained without electricity, and several train lines in the region — including Shinkansen bullet trains — experienced service suspensions.

Notably, the Japan Meteorological Agency said the risk of a major follow-up earthquake in the region is above normal.

«Based on global earthquake statistics so far, there is a possibility that a large-scale earthquake with a magnitude of 8 or higher could occur along the Japan Trench or the Chishima Trench off Hokkaido as a follow-up to the quake late Monday night. It is unclear whether such an event will occur, but everyone should take recommended precautions,» NHK World quoted Tsukasa Morikubo, chief disaster preparedness official, as saying at a news conference.