A tsunami warning was issued across part of Japan’s east coast after a significant earthquake.
The quake registered a magnitude of 7.7 and struck at 4:53 PM local time (7:53 AM GMT). Its epicenter was located off the northeastern coast of Japan’s Sanriku.
Initially, waves between one and three meters were expected to hit the coastline. Over 156,000 people were reported to have evacuated across five prefectures.
As of midday, the tsunami warning was downgraded to advisories. No casualties or major damage have been confirmed, but about 100 homes are without power.
The Japan Meteorological Agency urged residents to evacuate immediately from coastal regions and riverside areas to safer locations such as high ground.
“Tsunami waves are expected to hit repeatedly. Do not leave safe ground until the warning is lifted,” a spokesperson stated.
Government officials emphasized the importance of taking anti-disaster steps. They reminded residents that protecting one’s life is paramount.
This incident recalls the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, which resulted in approximately 18,000 deaths and caused a nuclear meltdown at Fukushima.
Japan experiences about 1,500 earthquakes each year due to its location within the ‘Ring of Fire.’ It records around 20 percent of the world’s earthquakes at a magnitude of six or higher.
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported no abnormalities at Japan’s nuclear facilities following the quake.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further seismic activity. However, there is a reported one percent probability of a larger earthquake occurring after this recent event.
