A very strong earthquake hit off Japan’s northeastern coast late Dec. 8, and officials warned people who live near the sea to move to higher ground.

The quake measured magnitude 7.6 and was centered hundreds of miles north of Tokyo, near the Pacific coast of Aomori and Hokkaido prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency said big tsunami waves, possibly as high as 10 feet, could reach some shores in the next day.

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Local authorities told roughly 90,000 people to leave low-lying areas and go to safe places such as higher ground or strong buildings. Sirens sounded and phone alerts warned residents to evacuate quickly.

Small tsunami waves were already seen at some ports. Train services were temporarily stopped

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