A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's northeastern coast late Monday, leading to tsunami warnings and evacuation orders for affected areas.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the quake occurred offshore at 11:15 p.m. local time (1415 GMT), with its epicentre located 80 km off the coast of Aomori prefecture at a depth of 50 km.

[Baron - Japan earthquake - Dec 8] Baron - Japan earthquake - Dec 8

Tsunami waves reaching 0.3 to 1 metre high are possible along the northeastern coast, according to the JMA. The agency reported that a 40 cm (16-inch) tsunami was observed in Aomori.

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Tsunami warnings were issued for the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate. Residents in affected area

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