At least 30 people were injured as a result of a magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck the northern coast of Japan on Monday, authorities reported on Tuesday, according to LETA citing AFP.
The earthquake damaged highways and left thousands without electricity in winter cold.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the earthquake's magnitude was 7.5, although it was initially assessed at 7.6. Such an earthquake increases the likelihood of aftershocks or stronger tremors in the coming days.
The earthquake triggered a tsunami with waves up to 70 centimeters high. Japan's Prime Minister Sanai Takahichi stated that 30 people were injured. Among the injured is one person who sustained serious injuries on Hokkaido Island.
Video footage showed deep cracks in the roads and at least one car that had fallen into a hole, as well as shattered windows on the streets and sidewalks. Initially, several fires were reported, but later information confirmed one blaze in a residential building.
About 28,000 people were advised to evacuate their homes. In Aomori Prefecture, approximately 2,700 homes were left without electricity; however, by Tuesday morning, power was mostly restored.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning, cautioning that waves up to three meters high could cause significant damage. The highest waves reached 70 centimeters, and the warning was lifted a few hours later.
Shinkansen bullet train services were suspended in some areas while engineers inspected the tracks for cracks.
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