A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Iwate prefecture at 5:03 p.m. JST, with the Japan Meteorological Agency revising the depth to 16 km (10 miles). Several aftershocks were recorded. Authorities issued a tsunami advisory for northern coastal areas, warning of waves up to 1 meter (3 feet). There were no immediate reports of injuries, damage, or problems at two nearby nuclear power plants.
6.9-Magnitude Earthquake Off Iwate, Japan — Tsunami Advisory Issued
A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Iwate prefecture at 5:03 p.m. JST, with the Japan Meteorological Agency revising the depth to 16 km (10 miles). Several aftershocks were recorded. Authorities issued a tsunami advisory for northern coastal areas, warning of waves up to 1 meter (3 feet). There were no immediate reports of injuries, damage, or problems at two nearby nuclear power plants.
13:15, 09.11.2025Environment
Powerful quake off northern Japan prompts tsunami advisory
A strong earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate prefecture on Sunday evening, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The quake's magnitude was later upgraded to 6.9, and it occurred at 5:03 p.m. Japan Standard Time.
Depth and aftershocks
JMA revised the quake's depth to 16 kilometers (10 miles) beneath the sea surface; an earlier estimate had put the depth at 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). Several smaller tremors followed the main shock.
Tsunami advisory and impacts
Authorities issued a tsunami advisory for parts of the northern coast, warning of possible waves up to 1 meter (3 feet). As of the latest reports there were no immediate confirmed injuries or structural damage.
Nuclear plants and safety
Local officials reported no abnormalities at two nearby nuclear power plants. Emergency services and local authorities urged residents in affected coastal areas to follow official guidance and stay tuned to updates from the JMA and local government channels.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency