Magnitude 7.2 Earthquake Strikes Off Northern Japan Coast

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Iwate prefecture during Thursday morning rush hour. The Japan Meteorological Agency said there was no danger of a tsunami. The quake shook dozens of towns across northeastern Japan and was felt mildly in Tokyo. It occurred in an area that has seen repeated strong earthquakes in recent months.

Eight people were injured in Aomori and Iwate prefectures, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Injuries were mainly from falling objects, and no life-threatening injuries were reported. In Hashikami, a school principal said her car shook sideways while driving to work.

Children at the school were safe though some cried in fear. Classes were later canceled and all children returned home.

The East Japan Railway Co. temporarily suspended some bullet trains and local lines for safety checks. Nuclear power plants, including the Fukushima Daiichi facility, and a spent fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori reported no abnormalities. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters that the government's emergency team is prioritizing people's lives while assessing information and preparing for possible relief operations.

She urged residents to remain cautious of aftershocks. Japan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is among the world's most earthquake-prone countries.