A day after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit northern Japan, the country’s weather agency has issued a rare alert warning that a massive quake could follow. This alert was reported by NHK Japan on Tuesday.

Earlier, a powerful struck northern Japan late on Monday night, sending powerful tremors across several regions. The intensity also triggered tsunami waves along parts of the Pacific coast. According to Japan’s Meteorological Agency, the quake hit at 11:15 pm about 80 km off the coast of Aomori. It was first measured at 7.6, but later updated to 7.5.

Authorities confirmed at least 30 people were injured. Several accidents were reported after objects fell from shelves and walls during the intense shaking. “We are continuing to work to understand the damage,” Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said at a news conference on Tuesday.

ALSO READ

Japan issues rare megaquake alert

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a megaquake could trigger tsunami waves along the Pacific coast, covering Hokkaido all the way down to Chiba Prefecture. Residents living nearby the Pacific coastline in these areas have been asked to stay altert for the next week. However, officials said they are not issuing evacuation advice at this stage.

Earthquake hits Northern Japan, 30 injured

Japan uses a scale of 1 to 7 for quake intensity, and this one was recorded an “upper 6” in some parts, which is strong enough to knock down heavy furniture, and break windows. Several roads developed cracks, and thousands of residents spent the night without power. The temperatures outside remained freezing the whole time. Several people staying at a hotel in Hachinohe were also injured.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency earlier confirmed 23 people were injured, as reported by the Associated Press. The number has now risen to 30.

Right after the earthquake, the JMA issued tsunami warnings for Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate prefectures. Authorities warned that waves could reach 3 metres (about 10 feet). According to the department, 0.7 metre (70 cm) waves were recorded at Kuji port in Iwate. Meanwhile, 0.5 metre waves were observed along parts of Hokkaido and Aomori. By late night, the tsunami warning was reduced to a tsunami advisory, and soon after, all advisories were fully lifted once the threat passed.

ALSO READ

Nuclear safety checks 

Despite such strong tremors, no major damage was reported at nuclear power plants run by Tohoku Electric Power and Hokkaido Electric Power, according to Bloomberg. However, the Rokkasho reprocessing plant saw around 450 litres of water spill from an area used to cool spent fuel. Officials said the water levels were recorded as stable and there was no safety risk.

At the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the discharge of treated wastewater into the sea was paused as a precaution soon after the tsunami warning was issued.

Power cuts, transport problems, and shelter

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said that around 800 homes were without electricity. In Aomori alone, nearly 2,700 homes lost power for hours. High-speed Shinkansen bullet trains and some local train lines were suspended for safety checks. According to Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, 480 people took shelter at the Hachinohe Air Base, meanwhile, 18 defence helicopters inspected the damaged areas from above.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters that an emergency task force had been set up immediately. She said, “We are putting people’s lives first and doing everything we can.” The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that the quake had increased the chances of stronger tremors in the coming days.

Read Next
Massive 7.2 magnitude earthquake strikes Japan, triggers tsunami alert
Strong 7.0 earthquake hits Alaska–Canada border region, tremors felt in Yukon
IMD issues alerts as Cyclone Ditwah brings more rain to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry; schools shut, waterlogging worsens