FIRST TSUNAMI WAVE HITS JAPAN AFTER MASSIVE 7.5 EARTHQUAKE — NUCLEAR PLANTS UNDER CLOSE WATCH AS NATION HOLDS ITS BREATH

A powerful undersea earthquake has triggered growing concern across northern Japan, as the first tsunami wave has now reached the coast. According to reports from NHK, a tsunami wave measuring approximately 40 cm (15.7 inches) struck the shores of Iwate Prefecture earlier today. While relatively small, authorities warn that this could be only the beginning, as monitoring continues across affected regions. The earthquake, recorded at a magnitude of 7.5, struck off the northern part of Honshu, impacting areas including Aomori Prefecture and Iwate. Japan’s seismic intensity scale registered the tremors at a strong 5+, signaling significant shaking capable of causing damage. As a precaution, Japanese authorities have moved swiftly to assess critical infrastructure — particularly nuclear facilities. Tohoku Electric Power confirmed that inspections are underway at the Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant in Miyagi Prefecture, ensuring no irregularities have occurred. Meanwhile, Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) has initiated checks at both Fukushima nuclear plants — Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (Fukushima-1) and Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant (Fukushima-2). Early reports, including those from Kyodo News, indicate that no emergencies or anomalies have been detected so far. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami advisory covering a wide stretch of the Pacific coastline — from Hokkaido down through northern Honshu — urging residents to remain alert and prepared for further developments. At sea, tsunami waves have already been observed moving toward coastal regions, reinforcing concerns that additional waves could follow.