A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan’s northeastern coast Monday, prompting authorities to warn residents to avoid coastal areas where tsunami waves of up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) were expected.
The tremor had an epicentre in the Pacific Ocean and was 10 kilometers deep, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The biggest waves were expected in Iwate, Aomori and Hokkaido prefectures, authorities said.
Speaking to reporters, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government had set up an emergency task force and urged citizens in the affected areas to evacuate to safety.
Broadcaster NHK showed ships sailing out of Hachinohe port in Hokkaido in anticipation of the waves, as an alert "Tsunami! Evacuate!" flashed across the screen.
Bullet train services in Aomori at the northern tip of Japan's main Honshu island were halted due to the tremors, Kyodo news agency reported.
