Japan has issued a warning about an increased risk of a potential mega-quake in the northern coastal regions following a recent major earthquake. The Cabinet Office and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) have stated that there is a one percent probability of a mega-quake hitting the northern Japanese coast in the next week due to the powerful quake near the Chishima trough earlier in the day. Although not a prediction, officials are advising residents to enhance their preparedness by stocking up on emergency supplies and having a go bag ready while going about their daily routines.
This advisory marks the second one issued for the region in recent months, with the previous one issued after a significant quake in December, which did not result in any major subsequent quakes. Earlier on Monday, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake occurred off the northeastern coast of Japan, prompting authorities to warn residents to steer clear of coastal areas where tsunami waves up to three meters were anticipated. Following the tremor at 4:53 p.m. local time, tsunami waves of up to 80 centimeters were detected. Subsequently, the tsunami warning was downgraded to a tsunami advisory according to JMA.
Government spokesperson Minoru Kihara reported no immediate casualties or significant damage as night fell in Tokyo. Evacuation orders were issued for several port towns like Otsuchi and Kamaishi, both severely impacted by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, affecting thousands of residents. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi activated an emergency task force and urged citizens in affected areas to evacuate to safety.
Anticipating significant aftershocks in the coming days and weeks, a JMA official emphasized the potential for notable seismic activity. Footage on NHK showed ships leaving Hachinohe port in Hokkaido in preparation for potential waves, with a warning message flashing on screens. A three-meter tsunami could lead to damage in low-lying areas, causing flooding and posing risks to individuals caught in its currents, as outlined by JMA. Additionally, bullet train services in Aomori were temporarily halted due to the tremors.
The earthquake registered an “upper 5” on Japan’s seismic intensity scale, making movement difficult and posing risks of concrete-block walls collapsing. With an epicenter in the Pacific Ocean at a depth of 10 kilometers, JMA provided this information. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed no abnormalities at Japan’s nuclear facilities post-earthquake.
Situated in the volatile “Ring of Fire,” Japan faces frequent seismic activity due to its location near volcanoes and oceanic trenches encircling the Pacific Basin. The country ranks among the most earthquake-prone globally, experiencing tremors of at least every five minutes and accounting for approximately 20 percent of earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.0 or higher. In a recent incident, a 7.5 magnitude quake in December left several individuals injured.
Over 15 years have passed since the devastating magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, which caused extensive damage in northern Japan, resulting in over 22,000 fatalities and displacing nearly half a million individuals from their homes mainly due to tsunami impacts. Following the disaster, around 160,000 people evacuated Fukushima due to radiation from the tsunami-affected Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Presently, about 26,000 individuals have not returned due to resettlement, restricted access to their hometowns, or concerns about radiation.