Japan issues advisory for northern coastal areas for slightly increased risk of mega-quake

Pic/AFP

Japanese authorities have issued an advisory warning of a slightly increased risk of a potential mega-quake along the country's northern coast following a powerful earthquake earlier in the day, reported Associated Press.

Advisory issued after strong earthquake near northern coast

The advisory was jointly issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Cabinet Office after a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the northern coast near the Chishima Trench region on Monday evening, reported Associated Press.

Officials clarified that the alert is precautionary in nature and not a prediction. However, they estimated a roughly one per cent probability of a larger "mega-quake" occurring in the region within the next week, reported Associated Press.

Residents urged to remain alert but avoid panic

Authorities have advised residents in northern coastal areas to enhance preparedness by keeping emergency supplies ready, including food, water and evacuation kits. At the same time, people have been encouraged to continue their normal routines without panic, reported Associated Press.

This marks the second such advisory in recent months, with a similar warning issued after a major earthquake in December. No large-scale quake followed that alert.

Tsunami waves recorded, evacuation advisories issued

The earlier earthquake triggered tsunami alerts across parts of northern Japan. Waves measuring about 80 centimetres were recorded at Kuji port in Iwate Prefecture, while smaller waves of around 40 centimetres were also observed, reported Associated Press.

Authorities warned that waves of up to 3 metres could impact coastal areas, prompting evacuation advisories for more than 128,000 residents across Iwate and neighbouring prefectures. Many residents moved to higher ground, with visuals showing people gathering in designated safe zones, reported Associated Press.

However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center later stated that the tsunami threat from the earthquake had largely passed.

No major damage or nuclear impact reported

Officials from Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed that, so far, no significant injuries or structural damage have been reported. Critical infrastructure, including power stations, remains unaffected, reported Associated Press.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority also confirmed that nuclear facilities, including those in affected regions, are operating normally with no abnormalities detected.

Aftershocks likely, monitoring continues

Authorities have warned that aftershocks of similar intensity may occur over the coming week, urging continued caution in vulnerable areas. Coastal residents have been advised to avoid shorelines and riverbanks until all warnings are officially lifted, reported Associated Press.

Past disasters heighten caution

The latest developments have revived memories of the devastating 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which resulted in over 22,000 deaths and triggered a nuclear crisis at Fukushima.

Officials stressed that while current risks remain low, preparedness is essential in a country prone to seismic activity.

(With inputs from Associated Press)