A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the north-east coast of Japan, triggering tsunami warnings and evacuation orders for thousands of coastal residents. The quake, centered in waters near Iwate prefecture approximately 530 km north of Tokyo, prompted authorities to warn of potential waves up to 3 meters high, leading to immediate evacuations to higher ground.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a stark warning that the risk of earthquakes "causing even stronger shaking" and producing larger tsunami waves is elevated over the next week. The agency later stated that the probability of a quake measuring 8.0 magnitude or higher is now "relatively higher than during normal times." Tsunami alerts remained in effect in Hokkaido two hours after the initial tremor, underscoring the persistent threat.
The event has reignited traumatic memories of the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which killed over 18,000 people and caused the Fukushima nuclear meltdown—one of history's worst nuclear disasters. Following Monday's undersea quake, recorded at a depth of 10 km, warnings for possible larger waves were extended to residents in Honshu and Hokkaido, with tremors felt as far as Tokyo, highlighting the widespread impact.
The earthquake disrupted several bullet train services and left around 100 homes without power, according to Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, who reported no immediate major damage or injuries. However, a tsunami warning—the second-highest of three alert levels—remained active, urging people to evacuate coastal and riverside areas immediately and move to elevated ground or evacuation buildings. The JMA emphasized that "tsunami waves are expected to hit repeatedly" and advised against leaving safe areas until warnings are lifted, a message echoed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Japan's precarious location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it highly susceptible to seismic activity, experiencing about 1,500 earthquakes annually and accounting for 10% of quakes measuring 6.0 magnitude or higher worldwide. The 2011 disaster, a 9.0-magnitude quake south of Iwate, remains a poignant reminder of the country's vulnerability, driving ongoing government efforts to issue timely warnings and evacuation advisories to mitigate future risks.
Source: www.bbc.com