Japan on Alert After Powerful Quake Triggers Megaquake Advisory
So, here’s what’s happening in Japan right now. A major earthquake — magnitude 7.5 — struck off the eastern coast of Aomori, right at the northern tip of Honshu. Fortunately, the immediate damage was relatively modest: around 34 people were injured, most of them lightly, and there were some reports of damaged buildings and roads. Still, the impact was serious enough for officials to issue what they’re calling a megaquake advisory for the northern regions.
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Now, this advisory is not a prediction. That’s something the government has repeated very clearly. They’re saying that the chance of an even larger quake — magnitude 8 or higher — is only about 1%. But even with a low probability, the concern is real because Monday’s earthquake temporarily raised seismic risks in places like Hokkaido and along the Sanriku coast. These areas sit right on top of the Japan Trench and the Chishima Trench, two massive geological features responsible for many of the country’s worst quakes.
And of course, whenever Japan hears mention of trenches and large quakes, everyone immediately remembers 2011. Back then, a magnitude 9.0 quake, triggered just two days after a smaller 7.3 temblor, caused the devastating tsunami that swept across Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima. That disaster, which claimed nearly 20,000 lives, is still deeply etched into the national memory. The current advisory is being explained in that context — essentially as a precaution, not a forecast.
Officials are warning that another offshore megaquake in the Hokkaido–Sanriku region could create a tsunami as high as 30 metres in some places. The potential human and economic consequences would be enormous: nearly 200,000 possible deaths, widespread destruction of homes and buildings, and damages reaching as high as 31 trillion yen. Because of risks like that, the advisory now covers 182 municipalities, stretching from Hokkaido down to Chiba.
But the tone from the government this time is more measured than past advisories. Last year’s warning along the Nankai Trough led to panic buying, event cancellations, even beach closures. The language used then was too technical and ended up frightening people. This time, officials are urging calm preparedness — nothing more, nothing less.
People are being encouraged to keep an emergency bag ready with essentials for several days, secure heavy furniture, wear day clothes to bed so they can move quickly in case of an emergency, and talk through evacuation plans with family. Some cities are checking communications systems, while others are reminding residents to sign up for emergency alerts.
In short, life in northern Japan is going on as usual — but with an added layer of caution. The advisory isn’t meant to scare; it’s meant to prepare. And right now, staying prepared is exactly what officials want everyone to do.
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