Earthquake Hits Northern Japan, Tsunami Alert Issued
A significant earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan on Monday afternoon, triggering a tsunami alert by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The quake, which had a preliminary magnitude of 7.5, occurred near Sanriku at approximately 4:53 p.m. local time, at a depth of about 6 miles beneath the sea.
Reports indicate that a tsunami measuring around 2.6 feet was recorded at Kuji port in Iwate prefecture, while another port noted a wave height of 1.3 feet. Authorities in Iwate have issued non-mandatory evacuation advice for residents in 11 towns, cautioning that waves as high as 10 feet could potentially strike the area.
This recent event recalls the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that caused extensive damage in Japan, resulting in over 22,000 fatalities and displacing nearly half a million people. In that disaster, many fled their homes primarily due to the tsunami’s impact.
As communities prepare and respond, safety remains a top priority for residents in the affected regions.
