A 9.1 magnitude earthquake

Tokyo, Japan – Japan experienced its strongest earthquake in 140 years, causing widespread devastation and prompting a national state of emergency.

The massive 8.9-magnitude quake struck early Tuesday morning, with its epicenter located off the northeast coast, near Miyagi Prefecture.

The tremor lasted over a minute, shaking buildings violently even in Tokyo, which is more than 300 kilometers away from the epicenter.

Seismic warning systems were activated throughout the country, giving many residents a chance to evacuate before the worst of the quake hit.

Despite these early warnings, the earthquake still resulted in significant destruction and tragic losses, as not everyone was able to reach safety in time.

Authorities have mobilized emergency response teams to assess the damage, assist survivors, and restore essential services in affected areas.

The nation is now grappling with the aftermath of the disaster, with communities working together to recover while officials continue to monitor aftershocks and ensure public safety.