A strong earthquake struck off the coast of northern Japan Sunday evening, prompting a tsunami advisory for the region. The Japan Meteorological agency reported the quake at a preliminary magnitude of 6.7, with an epicenter located off the coast of Iwate prefecture at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
The tsunami advisory, initially calling for waves up to 1 meter (3 feet) high, remained in effect for approximately an hour after the 5 p.m. Japan time quake. Smaller tsunami waves were detected at several coastal locations, including Ofunato city (10 centimeters/4 inches), Ominato port, Miyako, Kamaishi, and Kuji (up to 20 centimeters/8 inches).Authorities warned residents to evacuate coastal areas due to the potential for continued, and possibly increasing, wave activity over several hours.
Currently,there are no reports of injuries or important damage. Officials confirmed no abnormalities were detected at the two nuclear power plants in the affected area. JR East railway operator temporarily suspended bullet train service, and Kyodo News reported localized power outages. The U.S. Geological Survey measured the initial quake’s magnitude at 6.8.
Japan is situated on the Pacific “ring of fire,” a highly seismically active zone, and experiences frequent earthquakes. The region remains particularly sensitive following the devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 2011, which caused widespread destruction and a nuclear disaster. Aftershocks continued to be felt in Iwate Prefecture following the initial tremor.
