A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake off Japan’s north-eastern coast has triggered evacuation orders, tsunami warnings, and fresh concerns that a much stronger quake could hit within days.
Japan’s meteorological authorities said the quake, which struck offshore near Iwate prefecture about 530km from Tokyo, has increased the likelihood of another major seismic event, warning that an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 or higher is “relatively more likely than usual” in the coming week.
Following the tremor, authorities initially warned of possible tsunami waves as high as 3 metres and ordered hundreds of thousands of residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground. The largest wave recorded so far reached about 80cm before the warning was later downgraded and eventually lifted.
The quake, which occurred at a depth of about 10km, was felt across parts of northern Japan, including Hokkaido, with some tremors reaching as far as Tokyo. While there were disruptions to transport services, including bullet trains, officials confirmed there were no immediate reports of major injuries or widespread destruction.
Japan’s Cabinet Secretary, Minoru Kihara, said about 100 homes experienced power outages, but services have since begun returning to normal.
Authorities urged continued caution, warning that aftershocks and potentially stronger seismic activity could still occur, and advised residents in affected regions to remain alert and ready to evacuate if necessary.
The warning has revived painful memories of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan’s north-east coast, killing more than 18,000 people and causing a major nuclear disaster at Fukushima.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also urged residents to prioritize safety and move to higher ground when alerts were issued.
Japan, located on the seismically active Ring of Fire, experiences frequent earthquakes, and officials say preparedness remains critical as the country continues to monitor ongoing seismic activity closely.
