A significant earthquake struck northern Japan on Monday, prompting tsunami warnings across the region. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that two tsunami waves, each measuring 40 centimeters, were detected shortly after the quake. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the earthquake’s magnitude at 7.6, occurring at 14:15 GMT off the coast near Misawa, at a depth of 53 kilometers.
Tsunami Threat After Japan Earthquake
The first tsunami wave hit a port in Aomori at 23:43 local time. A second wave followed, reaching Urakawa in Hokkaido at 23:50. As the situation unfolded, multiple injuries were reported in Hachinohe, according to Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK. Eyewitness accounts included broken glass scattered on roads.
Impact and Warning
The seismic event was felt as far away as Sapporo, where residents received alerts on their mobile phones. Reports from NHK indicated that a journalist in Hokkaido experienced a horizontal shaking lasting about 30 seconds, making it difficult for him to remain on his feet.
Historical Context
Earlier in the day, the JMA had warned of potential tsunami waves as high as three meters. This alarming situation comes as Japan continues to recover from the devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake in 2011, which triggered a catastrophic tsunami resulting in around 18,500 fatalities or disappearances. This previous disaster also caused the meltdown of three reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant, marking it as one of the most severe nuclear accidents since Chernobyl.
Seismic Activity in Japan
Japan is located at the intersection of four tectonic plates within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it one of the most seismically active areas globally. The archipelago, with a population of 125 million, experiences approximately 1,500 earthquakes each year, most of which are minor. However, the severity of damage can vary significantly based on the quake’s location and depth.
- Magnitude of Earthquake: 7.6
- First Tsunami Wave: 40 cm at Aomori
- Second Tsunami Wave: 40 cm at Urakawa
- Date of Earthquake: Monday
- Depth: 53 kilometers
- Historical Reference: 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami
