Powerful 7.2-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Japan, No Casualties or Tsunami Warning

A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Japan's Iwate Prefecture on Thursday morning, shaking parts of the country's northeast region and briefly disrupting transportation services. Authorities confirmed there was no tsunami threat and reported no immediate casualties or major damage.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) , the earthquake occurred at a depth of about 50 kilometres beneath the seabed. The agency upgraded the quake's magnitude from an initial estimate of 6.9 to 7.2. The tremor was also felt in Tokyo during the morning rush hour.

Government officials said there were no immediate reports of deaths, injuries, or significant structural damage . Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said emergency response teams were monitoring the situation and assessing any potential impact, while urging residents to remain alert for aftershocks.

In Aomori Prefecture, some schools suspended classes as a precaution after children experienced the shaking. Public broadcaster NHK reported that residents in several affected cities, including Sendai and Morioka, felt strong tremors lasting for a few minutes, though no visible damage was reported.

Rail operators temporarily halted some Shinkansen bullet train services and local rail lines to conduct safety inspections. Authorities also confirmed that nuclear facilities, including the Fukushima Daiichi plant, reported no abnormalities following the earthquake.

The quake struck a seismically active area that has experienced several strong tremors in recent months. Japan, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire , is among the world's most earthquake-prone nations.