Powerful 6.9 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan, Tsunami Advisory Issued
A strong earthquake has shaken northern Japan this Sunday evening, prompting widespread concern and a tsunami advisory along the eastern coast. The quake, which was initially measured at magnitude 6.7 and later upgraded to 6.9, struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture at a depth of around 16 kilometers beneath the sea surface at approximately 5:03 p.m. local time. The Japan Meteorological Agency quickly issued warnings for coastal areas, advising residents to stay away from the shore as waves of up to one meter were possible.
Although the shaking was powerful, early reports indicate that no injuries or serious damage have been confirmed. Authorities also confirmed that the two nearby nuclear power plants are operating normally, with no abnormalities detected. Despite this, the advisory remained in place for more than two hours, reflecting the potential risks that follow such significant seismic events.
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Tsunami waves were observed in multiple locations along the coast. In Ofunato Port, Kuji, and other areas in Iwate Prefecture, waves measuring around 20 centimeters were recorded. Even though these waves are relatively small, the Japan Meteorological Agency emphasized that tsunami waves can continue to arrive for several hours after the initial quake and may increase in size over time.
Residents were reminded that aftershocks were likely, and the region is expected to remain seismically active for the coming days, with stronger tremors possible. In fact, multiple smaller quakes, some reaching magnitude 6.3, were reported in the same region and on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost major island.
The earthquake briefly disrupted local transportation. The Tohoku Shinkansen bullet trains experienced temporary delays between Sendai and Shin-Aomori, and power shortages were reported in some areas. The Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, took to social media urging people to remain cautious, avoid coastal areas, and prepare for potential aftershocks.
This latest quake is a stark reminder of Japan’s location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area notorious for frequent and sometimes devastating seismic activity. The region has a tragic history with earthquakes, tsunamis, and nuclear incidents, most notably the 2011 Fukushima disaster, which claimed nearly 20,000 lives. While there is no direct link between today’s earthquake and that past event, officials stress that the area remains at high risk for significant earthquakes.
Communities in Iwate and surrounding prefectures continue to stay alert as authorities monitor the situation closely. While the immediate threat of a major tsunami has passed, residents are being advised to remain prepared, remain vigilant for aftershocks, and follow official guidance to ensure safety in the coming days.
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