A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan on Monday, prompting tsunami warnings, mass evacuations, and renewed concerns over the possibility of a larger quake in the coming days.
The tremor, which occurred off the Sanriku coast near Iwate Prefecture at a depth of around 10 to 20 kilometers, triggered initial warnings of tsunami waves reaching up to 3 meters. However, authorities later downgraded the alert to an advisory after observed waves remained below one meter in most areas, including ports in Iwate, Aomori, and Hokkaido.
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Officials ordered more than 170,000 residents across northeastern regions to evacuate as a precaution. Sirens and emergency broadcasts urged people to move to higher ground and avoid coastal areas. Transportation services were disrupted, with some bullet train lines suspended and highways temporarily closed.
Despite the scale of the earthquake, damage reports remained minimal. Authorities confirmed only one injury, involving a man who fell at his home during the shaking. No major structural damage was immediately reported.
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Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued a rare advisory warning of a heightened risk of a stronger earthquake, often referred to as a “mega-quake,” in the coming days. The agency explained that the probability of such an event has risen to about 1%, compared to the typical 0.1%. The alert covers more than 180 municipalities along the Pacific coast from Chiba to Hokkaido and is expected to remain in effect for about a week.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to remain vigilant while continuing daily activities. She emphasized the importance of preparedness, advising people to confirm evacuation routes and keep emergency supplies ready. Authorities also encouraged households to prepare enough provisions for at least one week.
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Officials confirmed that no abnormalities were detected at nuclear facilities, including those in Fukushima. The developments revived memories of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, which caused widespread devastation and a nuclear crisis, underscoring the country’s continued focus on disaster preparedness.
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