A Powerful 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Japan, NHK reported. People in nearby areas felt the tremors, and officials immediately began checking for damage and the possibility of a tsunami. The quake struck at 11:44 a.m. (0244 GMT) and came just days after a much stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake shook the same region. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a warning for a possible tsunami of up to 1 metre.

Earlier this week, the 7.5-magnitude earthquake caused injuries, minor damage and triggered small tsunamis in coastal towns. Japan spent Tuesday assessing the full extent of the damage and alerting people to stay cautious because more aftershocks are likely.

34 people injured

According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, at least 34 people were injured, including one person who was seriously hurt. Most injuries happened because objects fell during the shaking, NHK said. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters that the government had formed an emergency task force to check the situation quickly. “We are putting people’s lives first and doing everything we can,” she said. She also urged people to stay alert and protect themselves from possible further quakes.

The 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck late at night, around 11:15 p.m., in the Pacific Ocean about 80 kilometres off the coast of Aomori, the northernmost part of Japan’s main island. The U.S. Geological Survey measured it slightly higher at 7.6 and said it happened 44 kilometres below the surface.

Tsunami reported

JMA reported that a tsunami of up to 70 centimeters reached Kuji port in Iwate prefecture. Other areas reported waves up to 50 centimeters. NHK said some oyster farms were damaged by these waves. Though the tsunami was not large, authorities warned that aftershocks and additional tremors may continue.

JMA also said there is a slightly increased risk of a much bigger earthquake, possibly a magnitude 8, and a tsunami along Japan’s northeastern coast. This includes areas from Chiba, near Tokyo, all the way to Hokkaido. The agency asked residents in 182 municipalities to review their emergency plans and stay prepared this week. The warning does not mean a huge earthquake will definitely happen, but people are urged to remain careful.

Japan, which sits on major tectonic fault lines, frequently experiences earthquakes. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are urging everyone in affected areas to stay safe, stay updated, and follow official instructions.