TOKYO (AP) — On Sunday evening, northern Japan experienced a powerful earthquake followed by multiple aftershocks, as reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency. A tsunami advisory was subsequently issued in response to the seismic activity.
The earthquake, which had a preliminary magnitude of 6.7 according to the Japan Meteorological Agency and 6.8 by the U.S. Geological Survey, struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture. The quake occurred at approximately 5 p.m. Japan time, with a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) beneath the sea surface.
Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Furthermore, there were no abnormalities reported at the two nuclear power plants located in the vicinity of the earthquake zone. This news brings a measure of relief, especially considering Japan's history of seismic events.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory, warning of potential waves reaching up to 1 meter (3 feet) along the northern coastal areas. This advisory remained in effect for at least an hour following the initial tremor. Following the advisory, public broadcaster NHK cautioned residents to avoid coastal regions due to the risk of tsunami and indicated the likelihood of further seismic activity in the area.
A tsunami measuring approximately 10 centimeters (4 inches) was identified at various locations, including Ofunato city in Iwate Prefecture, Ominato port, Miyako, and Kamaishi. In addition, tsunami waves reached heights of up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) along the coastal area of Kuji, according to NHK’s reports. It is important to note that tsunami waves can persist for several hours post-earthquake, potentially impacting the coastline multiple times and even increasing in size over that duration.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, several aftershocks were reported in Iwate Prefecture. The region’s bullet trains experienced temporary delays as a result of the seismic events. Furthermore, Kyodo News indicated that the earthquakes had caused power outages in some areas, further complicating the situation for residents and emergency services.
Japan sits on the Pacific “ring of fire” and is renowned for its vulnerability to earthquakes. This region has faced devastating seismic events in the past, including the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that struck in March 2011, reminding the population of the ongoing risks associated with living in such a seismically active area.
Overall, while the immediate response to this quake has been effective with no major damage reported, the area remains on alert as the possibility of aftershocks and further tsunami activity looms. Measures have been taken to ensure public safety, and ongoing monitoring is crucial as authorities assess the broader implications of this seismic event.
