Tsunami Threat After Powerful Japan Earthquake

key takeaways

A powerful earthquake struck northern Japan on Monday, triggering widespread tsunami warnings throughout the region. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), two tsunami waves—each around 40 centimeters high—were recorded shortly after the tremor. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) measured the quake at magnitude 7.6, occurring at 14:15 GMT off the coast near Misawa at a depth of 53 kilometers.

Tsunami Alerts After the Quake

The initial tsunami wave reached a port in Aomori at 23:43 local time, followed minutes later by a second wave that hit Urakawa in Hokkaido at 23:50. NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, reported several injuries in Hachinohe and described scenes of shattered glass strewn across streets.

Shaking Felt Across Northern Regions

Residents as far away as Sapporo received emergency alerts as the quake rippled across the region. An NHK journalist in Hokkaido reported intense horizontal shaking that lasted roughly 30 seconds, making it difficult to stay upright.

Context and Historical Significance

Earlier in the day, the JMA warned that tsunami waves could reach up to three meters. The event evoked memories of the catastrophic 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which measured 9.0 in magnitude and caused around 18,500 deaths or disappearances. That disaster also led to the meltdown of three reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant—one of the worst nuclear crises since Chernobyl.

Japan’s Seismic Vulnerability

Situated atop four tectonic plates within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” Japan remains one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations. The country, home to 125 million people, experiences roughly 1,500 quakes annually—most minor, though the impact varies widely based on proximity and depth.

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