A powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake shook Japan’s northeastern coast today, triggering a tsunami warning as officials urged residents to stay alert. The quake struck at 11:44 a.m. local time off the coast of Aomori Prefecture at a shallow depth of about 20 kilometers. Some areas recorded an intensity level of 4 on Japan’s seismic scale—strong enough to make standing difficult, though no major injuries or serious damage have been reported so far. Authorities warned that waves up to one meter could reach coastal regions including Aomori and Iwate, and aftershocks continue to unsettle communities already on edge.

The tremor comes just days after a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake jolted the same region, injuring around 30 people and forcing 90,000 to evacuate under a rare “megaquake” alert. Japan’s position on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, with more than 1,500 tremors each year. Memories of the catastrophic 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami—an event that killed nearly 20,000 people and led to the Fukushima disaster—still shape the nation’s preparedness efforts.

Residents are well-accustomed to emergency protocols, quickly moving to higher ground when alerts sound. Officials continue to advise caution amid ongoing aftershocks and broader warnings of potentially stronger quakes. Since 2011, Japan has strengthened infrastructure with shock-absorbing technology and reinforced seawalls, measures that have significantly improved resilience. Authorities recommend monitoring official channels from the Japan Meteorological Agency for updates on the tsunami advisory and further safety instructions.