A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, Japan, on 9 November 2025 at 5:03 pm.
The quake originated at a depth between 10 and 20km below the seabed, with the Japan Meteorological Agency revising the strength from an initial 6.7 to 6.9.​
Tsunami Advisory Issued and Lifted
Following the earthquake, authorities issued a tsunami advisory for Iwate Prefecture, warning of possible waves up to 1m. The advisory was lifted after three hours, with no immediate reports of high waves or widespread flooding.​
Impact on Coastal Communities
Tsunami waves were detected, though they were minimal, reaching 20cm along certain parts of Iwate’s coastline, including Kuji and Ofunato.
Several other coastal areas such as Ominato Port, Miyako, and Kamaishi, recorded 10cm waves as the event unfolded.​
No Reports of Damage or Injuries
There were no initial reports of injuries or significant property damage following the earthquake or tsunami.
According to East Japan Railway, the Tohoku Shinkansen briefly lost power and operations were temporarily suspended between Sendai and Shin-Aomori stations.
Emergency Response and Public Safety Measures
Multiple municipalities, including Ofunato City, Kamaishi City, Otsuchi City, and Rikuzentakata City, issued evacuation orders.
The Japan Meteorological Agency monitored aftershocks and coastal tidal activity throughout the evening, confirming the safety of affected areas before rescinding all warnings. Residents received updated safety information through national broadcaster NHK and official online resources.​
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