Arya News - Japanese officials directed tsunami warnings for Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate coastal regions after the powerful quake hit around 11:15 p.m. local time.
Dec. 8 (UPI) -- A preliminary 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit northeast Japan Monday with tsunami warnings issued.
Japanese officials issued tsunami warnings for coastal regions in Hokkaido and the Aomori and Iwate provinces after the powerful quake hit around 11:15 p.m. local time near Aomori.
"To everyone in the central Hokkaido Pacific coastal area, the Aomori Prefecture Pacific coastal area, and Iwate Prefecture where a tsunami warning has been issued, please evacuate immediately to safe locations such as high ground or evacuation buildings," Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted Monday morning on X.
It initially was recorded as a 7.2 magnitude and felt as far south as Tokyo.
The Japanese Meteorological Agency warned of further tsunami occurrences with up to three-foot high waves expected along the coasts of Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures.
"Even after the tsunami arrives, the second and third waves may become larger and reach the area, so please pay close attention to tsunami information and do not leave safe locations until the warning is lifted," the Japanese leader added.
About 900 residences in the Tohoku and Hokkaido regions were without power.
Nuclear power plants in Hokkaido, Aomori, Miyagi and Fukushima reported no functional abnormalities while bullet train service was halted between Fukushima and Shin-Aomori.
"Based on the instruction from the prime minister, we are mobilizing all resources for assessing the damage, conducting search-and-rescue operations and implementing emergency disaster relief measures under the policy of prioritizing human life," according to a top government spokesperson.
It"s the latest earth-shattering quake in the Japanese islands, most recently over the summer , following a Russia-based quake that impacted Japanese shores.
Multiple people were killed and dozens others injured after a powerful 7.5 magnitude was recorded in western Japan on New Years Day 2024.
Japan"s weather agency is expected to hold a press conference in the afternoon hours.