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BREAKING: Massive Earthquake Strikes Northern Japan, Causing Widespread Damage

Tokyo, Japan

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 struck northern Japan at 05:54 PST, causing widespread damage and power outages. The epicenter was located near the city of Nemuro, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of Tokyo. The quake was shallow, occurring at a depth of just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), which likely contributed to the severity of the damage.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami warning after the earthquake, but it was later lifted. However, large aftershocks continue to rattle the region, raising concerns about further damage and injuries.

At least 20 people have been reported dead, and hundreds more injured. Rescue crews are working to reach those trapped under collapsed buildings, and the government has deployed emergency response teams to the affected areas.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed his condolences to the victims and pledged to provide all necessary support for recovery efforts.

The earthquake has caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings. Power outages are widespread, and telecommunications services have been disrupted.

The earthquake is the strongest to hit Japan since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011, which killed more than 18,000 people.

As the situation continues to develop, the JMA is urging residents to evacuate from coastal areas and to be prepared for further aftershocks.