A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck Japan at 1:23 PM on Monday (Indian Standard Time). The epicenter of the quake was located in the ocean, approximately 100 kilometers off the coast, at a depth of 10 kilometers.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami warning for the coastal regions of Iwate, Hokkaido, and Aomori, predicting waves up to 3 meters in height.
Following the earthquake, waves measuring approximately 3 feet were recorded in Iwate, while waves reaching up to 1.5 feet were observed in Miyako and Hachinohe. Water levels in these areas are currently rising.
As a precautionary measure, bullet train services have been suspended. Authorities have initiated the evacuation of coastal areas and have advised residents to stay away from beaches and rivers, urging them to move immediately to higher ground. Relief agencies are continuously monitoring the situation.
Approximately 170,000 residents across the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima have been ordered to evacuate to safe locations.
Japan: Among the Most Earthquake-Prone Nations
Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. It sits atop four major tectonic plates and forms part of the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire.” The country experiences approximately 1,500 earthquakes annually, the majority of which are minor in intensity.
