Japan Earthquake: Magnitude 7.0 Quake Strikes Off Iwate Coast, No Tsunami Threat; Watch Video

A strong magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Japan’s Iwate Prefecture on Thursday morning, causing severe tremors across parts of northeastern Japan and prompting Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to establish an emergency response task force. Authorities said there was no tsunami threat, though residents in affected areas have been urged to remain alert for further seismic activity.

PM Urges Vigilance After Strong Tremors

The earthquake, which occurred at around 7:30 a.m. local time, registered a maximum seismic intensity of upper 6 in Hashikami Town in Aomori Prefecture, according to Japanese authorities.

Addressing the situation in a post on X, Prime Minister Takaichi said: "Around 7:30 a.m. today, an earthquake with its epicenter off the coast of Iwate Prefecture occurred, and a strong shaking with a maximum seismic intensity of 6-upper was observed in Hashikami Town, Aomori Prefecture. There is no concern about a tsunami."

She also called on residents in the affected regions to remain cautious as authorities continue monitoring the situation.

"To those in the areas where the shaking was strong, I ask that you continue to remain vigilant for the possibility of earthquakes of similar intensity. From now on, I will receive detailed reports and take charge of the disaster response," she added.

Magnitude 7 Quake Recorded in North Pacific Ocean

India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS) assessed the earthquake at magnitude 7.0 on the Richter Scale.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 7.0, On: 25/06/2026 04:00:15 IST, Lat: 40.096 N, Long: 142.366 E, Depth: 64 Km, Location: North Pacific Ocean."

The quake’s epicenter was located off Japan’s northeastern Pacific coast at a depth of 64 kilometres. Mild tremors were also felt in Tokyo, according to The Japan Times.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) classifies an upper-6 seismic intensity as strong enough to leave people unable to walk normally, with many forced to crawl, while unsecured furniture can topple over.

Government Launches Disaster Response Operations

Following the earthquake, the Prime Minister’s Office established a dedicated response room within its Crisis Management Center and convened an emergency task force comprising officials from relevant ministries and agencies.

Takaichi said, "The government, immediately after the earthquake, established the Prime Minister's Office Response Room at the Crisis Management Center in the Prime Minister's Office, convened an emergency task force at the director-general level from relevant ministries and agencies, and based on my instructions, is fully committed to responses such as assessing the damage situation, rescue and relief efforts, and providing timely and accurate information to the public."

Authorities are continuing to assess the impact of the earthquake while coordinating rescue, relief and information-sharing efforts across affected regions.

(With inputs from ANI)