Arabic version: اليابان تصدر تحذيرًا من تسونامي بعد زلزال بقوة 7.7 درجة

Japan is on high alert following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck off the north-east coast, prompting evacuation orders and warnings of potential tsunami waves up to 3 meters. Thousands of residents in coastal areas were instructed to seek higher ground after the quake, recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) in waters off Iwate prefecture, located 530 kilometers (330 miles) north of Tokyo.

According to BBC News, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) indicated that the risk of a subsequent earthquake measuring 8.0 or higher is now “relatively higher than during normal times”. The agency warned that stronger quakes, which could produce larger tsunami waves, might occur in the coming week.

Residents were initially warned of possible tsunami waves, with the largest recorded wave measuring 80 centimeters. Tremors were felt as far away as Tokyo, and tsunami alerts were issued for regions including Honshu and Hokkaido. Two hours after the quake, alerts remained in effect in Hokkaido, where local authorities utilized loudspeakers to inform residents about the tsunami risk.

Japan’s Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reported that, despite the significant quake, there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries. However, disruptions included affected bullet train services and power outages affecting around 100 homes. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged citizens to remain in safe locations until the warnings were lifted, emphasizing the importance of caution in light of the ongoing seismic activity.

Japan is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiencing approximately 1,500 earthquakes annually, contributing to 10% of global quakes measuring 6.0 or higher. The nation is still recovering from the catastrophic 2011 earthquake and tsunami that resulted in over 18,000 fatalities and the Fukushima nuclear disaster.