TOKYO (AP) - A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.5 struck off the northern coast of Japan, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a tsunami alert for the region. The earthquake occurred near the Sanriku coast at approximately 4:53 p.m. local time (0753 GMT), with its epicenter located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) beneath the surface of the sea.
In the aftermath of the quake, a tsunami measuring about 80 centimeters (2.6 feet) was detected at Kuji port in the Iwate prefecture, while a smaller tsunami measuring 40 centimeters (1.3 feet) was recorded at another port within the same prefecture. Following these events, the agency urgently advised residents to immediately evacuate coastal areas and seek higher ground, emphasizing the importance of safety as aftershocks are expected to continue for around a week.
The Iwate prefecture has issued non-binding evacuation advisories affecting residents in 11 different towns. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that a potential tsunami of up to 3 meters (10 feet) could impact the area. In addition to the warnings for Iwate and its neighboring Aomori to the north, as well as southeastern Hokkaido, a milder tsunami advisory has been put in place for the coastal regions of Miyagi and Fukushima, which lie south of the quake's epicenter.
This recent seismic activity follows another significant earthquake of the same magnitude that occurred in December, which resulted in numerous injuries. Notably, it has been 15 years since the catastrophic magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami struck on March 11, 2011. This disaster devastated parts of northern Japan, leading to over 22,000 fatalities and forcing nearly half a million individuals from their homes, primarily due to tsunami-related destruction.
The 2011 disaster had far-reaching consequences, particularly in Fukushima, where approximately 160,000 residents were displaced due to radiation leaks from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which was impacted by the tsunami. Alarmingly, around 26,000 people have yet to return to their hometowns, either because they have relocated, their former homes remain off-limits, or they still harbor concerns regarding radiation exposure.
The recent earthquake and tsunami alerts serve as a stark reminder of Japan's vulnerability to seismic activity and the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters. As the affected regions brace for aftershocks and further potential hazards, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of residents as they navigate the challenges posed by this latest seismic event.
