00:18A powerful earthquake has struck off the coast of northeastern Japan, triggering immediate
00:25tsunami warnings, and urgent evacuations across multiple prefectures.
00:30The quake, measured at around magnitude 7.4 to 7.5 by the Japan Meteorological Agency
00:39and the U.S. Geological Survey, hit offshore near the San Riku region in the Pacific at
00:46a shallow depth, making it strongly felt across northern Japan.
00:51Shaking reached intense levels in areas including Aomori and Aiwate prefectures, with residents
00:59reporting violent tremors that rattled buildings and disrupted daily life.
01:04Within minutes, Japan's meteorological authorities issued a tsunami warning and tsunami advisory,
01:12warning that waves of up to three meters could strike parts of the coastline.
01:17The highest alert level was issued for southern coastal areas of Hokkaido and parts of Iwate,
01:24while broader advisory warnings extended across Aomori, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures.
01:33Shortly after the quake, tsunami waves were confirmed reaching coastal areas, including
01:39the port of Hachinohe in Aomori prefecture, as well as other nearby ports along the Pacific coastline.
01:47While initial wave heights appear relatively modest in some locations, officials are warning
01:54that tsunami activity often comes in multiple waves, and later surges can be significantly stronger.
02:02Residents have been instructed to evacuate immediately to higher ground and remain there until all warnings
02:10are officially lifted.
02:12So far, there are no confirmed reports of major structural damage or casualties, but emergency
02:18assessments are still underway.
02:20Japan's nuclear facilities and critical infrastructure are also being monitored,
02:26with no abnormalities reported at this stage.
02:30This earthquake is a reminder of Japan's position along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most
02:37seismically active zones in the world.
02:40Authorities continue to urge caution, stressing that the situation is still developing, and that
02:47the risk of further tsunami waves or aftershocks remains high.
02:51For now, the focus is clear, stay alert, stay safe, and remain evacuated until the all-clear
03:00is given.
03:29Thank you for listening.
03:31Bye-bye.
03:31Something like that.
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