A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.7 struck Japan’s northeastern region on December 12, 2025, shaking homes and prompting officials to issue a tsunami advisory for waves up to 1 metre (about 3 feet) high along nearby coasts. Reuters
The quake hit off the coast of Aomori Prefecture at 11:44 a.m. local time, at a depth of about 20 kilometres (12 miles) under the ocean floor. Japan’s Meteorological Agency warned that small tsunami waves might follow and urged residents near the coast to stay alert and move to higher ground if needed. Reuters
This earthquake followed a much larger 7.5-magnitude quake just days earlier, which also hit northeastern Japan and led to evacuations and safety warnings in the region. Japan sits near major tectonic plates — huge pieces of Earth’s surface that slowly move and sometimes cause quakes when they bump into each other. Reuters
🌏 Why This Matters
Even though Japan experiences earthquakes more often than many countries, each strong earthquake is serious because it can shake buildings, roads and homes, and cause landslides or tsunami waves — water that rushes inland after an undersea quake. Scientists and emergency workers use earthquake data to help keep people safe by issuing warnings, tracking waves and guiding evacuations. Reuters
For kids and families, this event is a reminder of how science helps protect people from natural disasters:
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Earthquake sensors around Japan and other earthquake-prone countries detect shaking quickly and alert authorities.
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Tsunami advisories help keep people away from beaches and close to safety until it’s clear whether dangerous waves will come.
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Preparedness drills and safety plans practiced at school and home can save lives when shaking happens.
Japan’s location on the Ring of Fire — an area around the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur — makes it especially careful about seismic activity. Engineers, scientists, and city planners work hard to design earthquake-resistant buildings, bridges and safety systems to protect communities. Reuters
In short: A magnitude 6.7 earthquake hit northeastern Japan on December 12, 2025, leading to a tsunami advisory and reminding people how important earthquake safety and preparedness are. Reuters
Learning takeaway: Natural events like earthquakes are part of how Earth works — and when we learn about them and prepare ahead, we can help keep communities safer and reduce damage. 🌍👷♂️
