A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off Aomori Prefecture on the northern side of Honshu, Japan, at 11:15 p.m. on the 8th local time, prompting tsunami warnings for the Pacific coasts of Aomori Prefecture, Iwate Prefecture, and Hokkaido. The Japan Meteorological Agency said tsunami up to 3 meters high are expected and urged immediate evacuation.
According to the Korea meteorological Administration, the quake's hypocenter depth was 50 kilometers. Strong shaking of upper 6 on the Japanese intensity scale was detected in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, and lower 6 in Oirase and Hashikami. Hakodate, Hokkaido, recorded upper 5, and because the quake was large, tremors of 3 were observed in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
NHK repeatedly urged evacuation in broadcasts immediately after the tsunami warning was issued. Japan's intensity scale is a relative indicator of shaking felt in an area; at upper 6, it is difficult to stand, and most unsecured furniture moves or topples. At lower 6, windows and wall tiles can be damaged.