The Japan Meteorological Agency said a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off Iwate Prefecture at 5:03 p.m. JST at an updated depth of about 16 km and was followed by additional tremors. A tsunami advisory for up to 1 meter (3 feet) along northern coasts remained in effect more than two hours after the initial quake, with small waves of 10–20 cm recorded at multiple ports and towns. No immediate injuries, major damage, or abnormalities at nearby nuclear plants were reported, though trains were delayed and some power outages occurred. Officials warned that aftershocks and tsunami waves could continue for hours and that seismic risk in the area is elevated for about a week.
Powerful 6.9 Earthquake Off Iwate, Japan, Prompts Tsunami Advisory; No Immediate Injuries Reported
The Japan Meteorological Agency said a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off Iwate Prefecture at 5:03 p.m. JST at an updated depth of about 16 km and was followed by additional tremors. A tsunami advisory for up to 1 meter (3 feet) along northern coasts remained in effect more than two hours after the initial quake, with small waves of 10–20 cm recorded at multiple ports and towns. No immediate injuries, major damage, or abnormalities at nearby nuclear plants were reported, though trains were delayed and some power outages occurred. Officials warned that aftershocks and tsunami waves could continue for hours and that seismic risk in the area is elevated for about a week.
13:36, 09.11.2025Environment
Strong quake strikes off Iwate coast
An intense earthquake with a revised magnitude of 6.9 struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture on Sunday evening, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The quake occurred at 5:03 p.m. Japan time and was later measured at a depth of about 16 kilometers (10 miles) beneath the sea surface; the agency had initially reported a shallower depth.
Officials issued a tsunami advisory for parts of the northern coastline, warning of waves up to 1 meter (3 feet). Public broadcaster NHK urged residents to stay away from coastal areas and cautioned that additional strong shaking could follow. The JMA told reporters the region faces an elevated risk for powerful earthquakes for roughly a week, with particular concern for the next two to three days.
Tsunami readings, impacts and safety
Small tsunami measurements were recorded at several ports and coastal towns: about 10 centimeters (4 inches) at Ofunato, Ominato, Miyako and Kamaishi. Subsequent readings reached about 20 centimeters (8 inches) in Kuji, and the wave in Ofunato was later measured at 20 centimeters as well. Officials reminded the public that tsunami waves can continue to arrive for several hours after a quake, may strike the coast repeatedly, and can sometimes grow larger over time.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage, and authorities said there were no abnormalities reported at the two nuclear power plants in the region. JR East reported that bullet trains in the area experienced temporary delays, and Kyodo News said the quakes caused localized power outages.
Context and ongoing risks
Northeastern Japan is highly earthquake-prone. In March 2011, a massive earthquake and tsunami triggered a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi power station, killing nearly 20,000 people—mostly from the tsunami—and causing extensive damage. An agency official briefing reporters said there was no evidence linking this quake directly to the 2011 disaster, only that the broader region remains vulnerable to major quakes, as shown by past events such as a large 1992 earthquake.
Advice: Stay away from the coast, follow instructions from local authorities, expect aftershocks, and avoid nonessential travel if infrastructure or services are disrupted.