Tsunami Advisory Issued After 6.7 Magnitude Quake Strikes Northeastern Japan

November 9, 2025

Tokyo: The Japanese weather agency on Sunday issued a tsunami advisory for Iwate Prefecture after a powerful 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck in the Pacific Ocean off northeastern Japan, causing temporary power outages and a brief suspension of Shinkansen bullet train services, local media reported.

Earthquake Details and Tsunami Warning

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake occurred off the Sanriku coast at a depth of about 10 kilometres around 5:03 p.m.

It registered 4 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale of 7 in some areas of Iwate and Miyagi prefectures.
The JMA warned that a tsunami up to one metre high could reach the Iwate coast.

A 10-centimetre tsunami wave was observed in Ofunato, while a minor tsunami reached Miyako, Kyodo News reported.

Transport and Power Restored After Brief Disruption

Following the quake, the Tohoku Shinkansen between Sendai and Shin-Aomori stations was temporarily suspended but later resumed operations, according to operator JR East.

The tremor also caused temporary power outages in some areas, though electricity was gradually restored.

PM Takaichi Urges Evacuation and Caution

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi issued an urgent appeal on social media platform X, urging residents in coastal areas to evacuate immediately.

“At around 17:03, an earthquake with its epicentre off the Sanriku coast occurred. Seismic intensity 4 was observed in Iwate and Miyagi prefectures, and an information liaison room has been immediately set up in the Prime Minister’s Office.

A tsunami advisory has been issued, so please evacuate away from the coast immediately. The tsunami that may arrive later could be larger than expected, so please stay alert for further information. Additionally, aftershocks are possible, so please remain cautious of any strong shaking,” Takaichi posted.

No Damage Reported at Nuclear Power Plant

Tohoku Electric Power confirmed that there were no malfunctions at its Onagawa nuclear power plant in Miyagi Prefecture, local media reported.

Officials Warn of Possible Aftershocks

During a press conference, a Meteorological Agency official cautioned that earthquakes of similar or stronger intensity could occur in the coming days.

He advised residents to avoid entering the sea or approaching shores in regions where the tsunami advisory remains active, as waves could be larger than initially predicted.