Tsunami Threat Passes After 6.9-Magnitude Quake Off Iwate
A strong earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture on Sunday evening, measuring a magnitude of 6.9 and registering a 4 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale. The tremor triggered light tsunami waves and temporary evacuation orders in several coastal areas.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the quake occurred at 5:03 p.m. Initially recorded as a magnitude 6.7, the measurement was later revised to 6.9. A tsunami advisory was immediately issued, warning of potential waves up to one meter high. The alert was canceled around 8 p.m. after conditions stabilized.
Recorded Tsunami Waves
- Ofunato Port: 20 cm wave observed at 6:25 p.m.
- Kuji Port: 20 cm wave recorded at 5:52 p.m.
According to the JMA, the quake registered shindo 4 in Morioka and Yahaba in Iwate Prefecture, and in Wakuya, Miyagi Prefecture. By 8:30 p.m., there had been 11 aftershocks in the region, one of which reached magnitude 6.3 and shindo 3.
Infrastructure and Safety
There were no initial reports of injuries or property damage. East Japan Railway announced that the Tohoku Shinkansen briefly lost power, leading to a temporary suspension of service between Sendai and Shin-Aomori stations.
Tohoku Electric Power confirmed that no abnormalities were detected at its Onagawa nuclear power plant in Miyagi Prefecture.
"No abnormalities were reported at the Onagawa nuclear power plant," said Tohoku Electric Power.
Author’s Summary
The 6.9-magnitude quake off Iwate caused minor tsunamis and temporary disruptions, but no injuries or significant damage were reported.