Japan Hit by 7.7 Quake, Stronger Aftershock Threat Looms

Japan has lifted a tsunami warning issued after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off its north-eastern coast on Monday at 4:53 p.m. local time. Local news outlets reported that the massive quake shook buildings as far as Tokyo.

Initial tsunami alerts warned of waves up to 3 metres and triggered mass evacuations along the Pacific coastline. Two hours later, waves measuring up to 80cm were detected, and the warning was downgraded.

However, Japan’s Meteorological Agency cautioned that aftershocks could still pose a major threat, warning a high risk of a magnitude 8.0 or stronger quake in the next week.

Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, said a crisis management team was immediately activated and officials are still assessing possible damage and casualties. “For those of you who live in areas for which the warnings have been issued, please evacuate to higher, safer places,” she said during a press briefing.

The bullet train services were disrupted, and around 100 homes lost power.

Japan’s last devastating earthquake was documented in 2011, where a tsunami killed more than 18,000 people after a major tremor.

A number of tsunami advisories remain in place for the island.