Strong tremor shakes coast, prompting urgent warnings
The massive 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit the offshore area of northern Japan today, creating tsunami waves in the region and sparking fears for lives and property. In less than an hour from the time of the earthquake, an 80 centimetre high tsunami wave was observed in a port in Kuji, Iwate. An earlier report indicated a smaller 70 centimetre tsunami wave hitting the same location.
The quake occurred around 4:53 pm in the Pacific ocean off the coast of Iwate Prefecture. The buildings shook as far as Tokyo, reflecting the continuous vulnerability of Japan to such tremors. Warnings were issued by authorities, asking people residing close to the coastlines and riverbanks to shift to safer locations immediately. They also warned against any further risk due to the continued arrival of tsunami waves in cycles.
Authorities respond as memories of past disasters linger
On the other hand, rescue operations were already in progress, while a crisis management team was established by the office of the prime minister to observe the situation. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi encouraged people to be watchful and evacuate if there is any possibility of further harm.
Despite the absence of significant damage seen in the preliminary footage at the affected ports, the situation is still worrying, given the earthquake experiences of Japan, particularly since the 2011 event, which had led to numerous casualties and a nuclear disaster.
Moreover, experts still warn of the danger of even stronger earthquakes from the Nankai Trough, another seismic region, whose prior alerts have created anxiety for the people.
It is also worth noting that aftershocks and more waves may occur anytime.
