A powerful earthquake, measuring 6.9 in magnitude, rattled northern Japan on Sunday evening, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue tsunami advisories along the coast. The seismic event occurred off the coast of Iwate Prefecture at precisely 5:03 p.m. Japan time, with a depth of 20 kilometers (approximately 12 miles), as reported by the meteorological agency.
Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage following the earthquake. Additionally, the two nuclear power plants in the vicinity reported no abnormalities. Initially, the agency warned that tsunami waves could reach heights of 1 meter (about 3 feet), with some forecasts suggesting potential surges of up to 3 meters (approximately 9 feet) in specific locations. However, these warnings were later downgraded to tsunami forecasts, indicating a more moderate impact of 0.2 meters (about 8 inches) in various areas along Japan's northern coast.
In the aftermath of the quake, a tsunami of approximately 10 centimeters (around 4 inches) was recorded in Ofunato City, Ominato Port, Miyako, and Kamaishi, with waves reaching up to 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) in the coastal region of Kuji. The Japan Meteorological Agency cautioned that tsunami waves generated by earthquakes can persist for several hours, potentially increasing in size over time. During the advisory period, residents were urged to stay away from coastal areas due to the risk of further seismic activity.
About three hours after the initial earthquake, the tsunami advisory was lifted. Nonetheless, the meteorological agency warned that the region remained at risk for strong aftershocks for up to a week, particularly in the following two to three days. Reports indicated that additional quakes were felt in Iwate Prefecture, with the northernmost major island, Hokkaido, also experiencing tremors from the ongoing seismic activity.
Northeastern Japan has a history of devastating earthquakes, including the catastrophic triple disaster in March 2011, which involved a major quake, a tsunami, and a subsequent nuclear meltdown at Fukushima, located just south of Iwate. This disaster resulted in nearly 20,000 fatalities, primarily due to the tsunami, and inflicted severe damage on the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station. Over a decade later, many residents remain displaced from the no-go zone, a situation that continues to spark protests against what is perceived as a lack of acknowledgment by authorities regarding the dangers associated with nuclear power.
In response to the seismic activity, bullet trains in the affected area experienced temporary delays, as reported by JR East railway operator. An agency official provided a briefing late Sunday, clarifying that there was no direct link between the recent quake and the devastating events of 2011, though the region is generally susceptible to significant seismic activity, as evidenced by another notable quake that struck in 1992. Japan, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, remains one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, highlighting the need for ongoing preparedness and vigilance.
