Japan Shuts Airports After Strong Undersea Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Alert

A powerful undersea earthquake off northern Japan triggered widespread tsunami alerts on Monday afternoon, causing major disruption along the country's Pacific coast and forcing the temporary closure of several airports in the affected region. The quake struck at 2:48 pm on 8 December and was felt across large parts of northern Japan, with emergency alerts flashing on television screens in cities such as Yokohama.

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the earthquake measured 7.2 in magnitude and occurred offshore near Aomori and Hokkaido. Within minutes of the tremor, tsunami warnings were issued for northern coastal communities, with authorities cautioning that waves of up to three metres could strike vulnerable shoreline areas.

As a safety precaution, airport operations in several parts of northern Japan were suspended. Flights at regional airports in Aomori and Hokkaido were temporarily grounded, with incoming and outgoing aircraft delayed or diverted. Airport authorities said runways and terminal facilities were being inspected for structural damage before services could safely resume. Passengers were seen queuing inside terminals as airlines issued advisories and rebooking options.

Rail and road networks were also affected. High-speed rail services in the north were slowed or halted to allow engineers to inspect tracks, while coastal highways reported temporary closures due to evacuation activity and safety checks.

Local television stations and disaster warning systems broadcast continuous messages urging residents in at-risk coastal zones to move to higher ground and stay away from beaches and ports. Emergency shelters were opened in multiple towns, and local officials coordinated evacuation efforts as sea level monitoring continued through the afternoon.

Authorities said there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, but warned that aftershocks remained possible. Monitoring stations along the Pacific coast are tracking wave movement and seismic activity around the clock.

Officials said further updates on airport operations, transport services and safety advisories would be released as inspections are completed. Japan remains on heightened alert as emergency teams continue assessment work across the quake-hit northern regions.