A strong earthquake shook northern Japan on Sunday evening, impacting Iwate Prefecture and prompting tsunami alerts. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the quake reached a magnitude of 6.9 and struck 20 kilometers offshore at 5:03 p.m. local time.
Luckily, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, and both nuclear plants in the region were confirmed to be unaffected. Initially, coastal areas were advised to prepare for tsunamis, with predictions that waves could reach up to 3 meters (about 9 feet). However, forecasts were later adjusted to a maximum of 0.2 meters (about 8 inches), meaning less risk than first thought.
A small tsunami was measured at about 10 centimeters (4 inches) in several places, with the highest recorded at 20 centimeters (8 inches) in some locations like Kuji. Tsunami waves can persist for hours, so residents were warned to stay away from the coast during this time. Although the tsunami advisory was lifted after three hours, experts warned that the possibility of aftershocks remained for about a week.
Northeastern Japan is no stranger to earthquakes, having experienced devastating events before. The region is still healing from the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami of March 2011, which led to nearly 20,000 deaths and a nuclear crisis at Fukushima. Many areas near Fukushima remain no-go zones, and protests regarding nuclear safety continue even years later.
An official commented that while this recent quake doesn’t appear directly linked to past events like the one in 2011, the region is inherently prone to seismic activity. Bullet train services were temporarily suspended as a precaution.
Japan is part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it one of the most seismically active countries in the world. Between 1992 and now, significant quakes have shaped the region’s landscape both physically and sociologically, reminding residents of the balance they must maintain with nature.
As experts at the Japan Meteorological Agency monitor the situation, they emphasize the importance of disaster readiness. Awareness through community drills and education can play a crucial role in enhancing safety during such unpredictable events.
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Tsunami, Japan, Earthquake
