Tokyo, Dec 09 (V7N) – The Japanese government has activated an emergency response office following the powerful magnitude-7.6 earthquake that struck off the east coast of Aomori Prefecture late Monday night. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the move during a late-night briefing at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The prime minister said the government had initiated a coordinated emergency response to address the unfolding situation across multiple prefectures affected by strong shaking and ongoing tsunami alerts. “Under the principle of putting human life first, the government will work as one to devote all efforts to emergency disaster response measures, including saving lives and rescuing victims,” Takaichi told reporters.
The earthquake, which occurred around 11:15 p.m., triggered tsunami warnings for coastal regions of Aomori, Iwate, and Hokkaido, with authorities urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate immediately. Several coastal towns have already reported initial tsunami waves, though assessments of damage and casualties are still ongoing.
The Japan Meteorological Agency continues to monitor aftershocks and potential secondary impacts, while regional governments are coordinating shelter operations and emergency medical assistance. National agencies have been placed on high alert as rescue teams stand by for deployment to the hardest-hit areas.
More updates are expected as authorities gather information from the affected coastal communities.
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