A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.7 hit northeastern Japan, leading to a tsunami warning from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). This quake occurred off the coast of Aomori Prefecture at 11:44 AM local time at a depth of 20 kilometers (about 12.4 miles). The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake’s magnitude.
There’s some relief regarding nuclear safety; Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority reported no immediate issues at nearby nuclear facilities.
This earthquake follows a larger quake of magnitude 7.5 that struck the same area just days prior, causing significant damage and injuring at least 50 people. Roads were torn apart, windows were shattered, and tsunami waves reached 70 centimeters (about 2.3 feet).
In light of these events, the JMA advised residents across a broad area, stretching from Hokkaido to Chiba, to stay alert. This is not just a precaution; many remember the catastrophic 2011 earthquake that resulted in about 18,500 deaths or disappearances.
Historically, Japan is known for its seismic activity, resting on four major tectonic plates. In 2024, the JMA issued a special advisory about the possibility of a “megaquake” near the Nankai Trough, which could have devastating effects, potentially leading to almost 300,000 casualties and up to $2 trillion in damages.
Concerns over these disasters have led communities to prepare more actively. Reports indicate that sales of emergency supplies like bottled water and disaster kits have surged, often tripling after significant quakes. One shopper in Hokkaido shared, “We decided to prepare, so I bought disaster kits for everyone.”
This proactive mindset is vital. As the seismic threat lingers, being prepared can save lives. Japan’s location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” makes it one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world.
For ongoing updates about seismic activity, check the Japan Meteorological Agency’s official site JMA and the U.S. Geological Survey’s updates USGS.
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News, Earthquakes, Tsunami, Asia Pacific, Japan
