TOKYO (AP) — Northern Japan experienced a strong earthquake on Sunday evening, prompting a tsunami advisory. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported a quake with a magnitude of 6.9, occurring at a depth of 16 kilometers off Iwate Prefecture at 5:03 p.m. Japan time. Thankfully, there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage.
The agency warned that the tsunami could reach up to 1 meter (3 feet) along the northern coast. Later, waves measuring about 20 centimeters (8 inches) were noted in several areas, including Ofunato and Kuji. Tsunami waves can persist for hours, occasionally growing larger as they hit the shore repeatedly.
During the advisory, residents were advised to avoid coastal areas, as more tremors could follow. About three hours later, the advisory was lifted, but experts warned the region might still experience strong earthquakes for several days.
In addition to Iwate, the nearby island of Hokkaido felt the quake’s impact. Northeast Japan is no stranger to seismic activity; it has faced significant earthquakes in the past, including the devastating 2011 disaster in Fukushima. That event caused nearly 20,000 deaths, mostly due to tsunami waves, and led to the ongoing struggles of those displaced from the no-go zones.
Despite the quake’s intensity, the nuclear power plants in the area were reported to be stable. However, concerns around nuclear safety persist, and protests against perceived negligence continue in Japan. Demonstrators recently gathered to call for greater acknowledgment of the risks associated with nuclear energy.
Researchers say Japan is located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it one of the most earthquake-prone regions globally. The geological activity in the area adds urgency to discussions about disaster preparedness. According to a 2022 study by the Japan National Research Institute, about 20% of the country’s population remains unprepared for a major disaster.
Bullet trains in the region faced temporary delays, reflecting the extensive measures Japan takes to ensure safety during seismic events.
For detailed information on earthquake preparedness and safety measures, visit the National Disaster Management Institute.
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General news, Japan, Tsunamis, Earthquakes, Asia Pacific, AP Top News, Japan government, Natural disasters, Nuclear power, World news
