Japan issued a warning on Monday regarding an escalated threat of a potential massive earthquake in the northern coastal regions, triggered by a significant seismic event earlier that day. The Cabinet Office and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) disclosed a one percent likelihood of a mega-quake hitting the northern Japanese coastline within the next week after a powerful earthquake near the Chishima trough.
Authorities clarified that the advisory does not predict an earthquake but emphasized the importance of residents enhancing their readiness, such as stocking emergency supplies and having a “go bag,” while maintaining their usual routines. This cautionary notice marks the second for the area in recent months, with the previous one occurring after a separate major quake in December, which did not result in a subsequent significant seismic event.
The day commenced with a magnitude 7.7 earthquake striking off Japan’s northeastern coast, prompting authorities to advise individuals to steer clear of coastal zones where tsunami waves up to three meters were anticipated. Although tsunami waves of up to 80 centimeters were initially detected two hours after the quake at 4:53 p.m., a subsequent downgrade from a tsunami warning to an advisory was announced by JMA, with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre confirming the passing of the tsunami threat.
As darkness enveloped Tokyo, Japan’s top government spokesperson, Minoru Kihara, reported no immediate casualties or major damages. Several port towns, including Otsuchi and Kamaishi, issued evacuation directives for thousands of residents, recalling the devastation they faced from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi activated an emergency task force and urged citizens in affected regions to move to safety.
Anticipating sizable aftershocks in the coming days and weeks, an official from JMA cautioned during a televised press briefing. Footage broadcasted on NHK showcased ships departing Hachinohe port in Hokkaido to avoid potential waves, as warnings flashed across screens urging evacuation. The suspension of bullet train services in Aomori due to tremors was also reported by Kyodo news agency.
The earthquake rated an “upper 5” on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, impeding movement and posing risks of unreinforced concrete-block wall collapses. With its epicenter in the Pacific Ocean at a depth of 10 kilometers, JMA outlined potential threats from a three-meter tsunami, emphasizing its capacity to inundate low-lying areas and structures.
The International Atomic Energy Agency mentioned the absence of abnormalities at Japan’s nuclear facilities post-earthquake. Situated in the volatile “Ring of Fire,” Japan remains highly susceptible to earthquakes, experiencing tremors approximately every five minutes and accounting for a significant portion of global earthquakes exceeding magnitude 6.0. Notably, a 7.5 magnitude quake in December resulted in multiple injuries.
Over a decade has passed since the catastrophic magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, which devastated northern Japan, claiming over 22,000 lives and displacing nearly 500,000 individuals, primarily due to tsunami-related destruction. The enduring impact led to approximately 160,000 people evacuating Fukushima due to radiation concerns from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, with around 26,000 still displaced due to resettlement, restricted access to their hometowns, or persistent radiation fears.