India, Dec. 8 -- A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan on Monday, sending small tsunami waves on shorelines in both Aomori and Hokkaido, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The quake was centered just east of Aomori Prefecture-Honshu's northernmost region-and near the southern waters of Hokkaido.

Local media reported early signs of damage. Public broadcaster NHK said several people sustained injuries at a hotel in Hachinohe, a coastal town in Aomori Prefecture.

Emergency responders are assessing the situation.

"We are putting people's lives first and doing everything possible to ensure their safety," she told reporters in a brief statement.

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