Authorities in Japan are on high alert following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck off the north-east coast, prompting evacuation orders and tsunami warnings. The earthquake, recorded at a depth of 10km, triggered fears of a 'huge' aftershock and tsunami waves up to three meters high, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Thousands of residents in coastal areas of Iwate prefecture, located approximately 530km (330 miles) north of Tokyo, have been instructed to seek higher ground. As the tsunami warning remains active, officials emphasized the possibility of subsequent quakes that could cause even larger waves.
The seismic event caused initial tsunami waves measuring as high as 80cm, with alerts particularly directed toward regions like Honshu and Hokkaido. Residents of Hokkaido reported feeling tremors as far as Tokyo, with local authorities issuing warnings via loudspeakers and advising on precautionary measures.
In response to the quake, trains were halted, and power outages affected about 100 homes. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries. However, the memory of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011, which resulted in over 18,000 casualties, lingers within the populace, fostering a heightened sense of caution.
As Japan is situated along the Ring of Fire, it experiences numerous earthquakes each year, accounting for a significant percentage of those exceeding 6.0 in magnitude globally. The JMA has warned that there is a relatively higher risk of an earthquake measuring 8.0 or greater occurring in the coming week.
Thousands of residents in coastal areas of Iwate prefecture, located approximately 530km (330 miles) north of Tokyo, have been instructed to seek higher ground. As the tsunami warning remains active, officials emphasized the possibility of subsequent quakes that could cause even larger waves.
The seismic event caused initial tsunami waves measuring as high as 80cm, with alerts particularly directed toward regions like Honshu and Hokkaido. Residents of Hokkaido reported feeling tremors as far as Tokyo, with local authorities issuing warnings via loudspeakers and advising on precautionary measures.
In response to the quake, trains were halted, and power outages affected about 100 homes. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries. However, the memory of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011, which resulted in over 18,000 casualties, lingers within the populace, fostering a heightened sense of caution.
As Japan is situated along the Ring of Fire, it experiences numerous earthquakes each year, accounting for a significant percentage of those exceeding 6.0 in magnitude globally. The JMA has warned that there is a relatively higher risk of an earthquake measuring 8.0 or greater occurring in the coming week.
