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Japan issues urgent earthquake warning
Japanese authorities have cautioned residents about the elevated risk of a "massive" earthquake within the next week following a 7.7 magnitude quake off the northeastern coast. The tremor triggered evacuation orders and tsunami warnings, raising fears of waves up to three meters high.
Evacuations and initial impact
Thousands in coastal regions were directed to seek higher ground after the quake struck waters near Iwate prefecture, approximately 530 kilometers north of Tokyo. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, with tremors felt as far as the capital.
While the largest recorded waves reached 80 centimeters, officials warned that stronger aftershocks could generate more dangerous tsunamis. Tsunami alerts remained active for two hours in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost region, after the quake hit at 16:52 local time (08:52 BST).
Government and public response
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to move to "higher, safer places" immediately, echoing the JMA's warning that tsunami waves could strike repeatedly. The alert, the second-highest on Japan's three-tier warning system, prompted widespread evacuations from coastal and riverside areas.
"As soon as we heard the earthquake alert, everyone ran downstairs. This time, the shaking was relatively mild," said Chaw Su Thwe, a Myanmar national living in Hokkaido. "Local authorities are using loudspeakers to warn people about a possible tsunami and to stay alert."
Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed no immediate reports of major damage or injuries, though 100 homes lost power and bullet train services were disrupted.
Heightened risk of larger quake
The JMA later stated the likelihood of an earthquake measuring 8.0 or higher was "relatively higher than during normal times," amplifying concerns among a population still traumatized by the 2011 disaster. That 9.0-magnitude quake and subsequent tsunami killed over 18,000 people and caused the Fukushima nuclear meltdown, one of the worst nuclear crises in history.
Japan's seismic vulnerability
Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan experiences roughly 1,500 earthquakes annually, accounting for 10% of global tremors measuring 6.0 magnitude or above. The government has since reinforced evacuation protocols, regularly issuing advisories to ensure public safety.
The initial tsunami warning was later downgraded to an alert, but officials stressed the need for continued vigilance as aftershocks could still pose risks.
