Tsunami warning for Japan's northeast coast following 7.6-magnitude earthquake

A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's northeastern coast late Monday, leading to tsunami warnings and evacuation orders for affected areas.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the quake occurred offshore at 11:15 p.m. local time (1415 GMT), with its epicentre located 80 km off the coast of Aomori prefecture at a depth of 50 km.

Tsunami waves reaching 0.3 to 1 metre high are possible along the northeastern coast, according to the JMA. The agency reported that a 40 cm (16-inch) tsunami was observed in Aomori.

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Tsunami warnings were issued for the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate. Residents in affected areas have been advised to follow evacuation orders and stay alert for updates.

Located in the "Ring of Fire," Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. The country experiences approximately 20 per cent of the world's earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.0 or higher.

With files from Reuters

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