Japan Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Advisory in Iwate Prefecture
Japan issued a tsunami advisory for Iwate Prefecture after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck offshore in the northern Pacific region on Sunday evening. The quake occurred at approximately 5:03 pm local time near 39.51° N latitude and 143.38° E longitude, at a depth of about 30 km beneath the ocean surface.
Seismic Details and Warnings
- The United States Geological Survey recorded the earthquake at magnitude 6.8.
- India's National Center for Seismology reported a magnitude of 6.6.
- The Japan Meteorological Agency promptly issued a tsunami advisory for the Iwate coastline.
- Residents were warned of possible tsunami waves up to one metre high.
"A tsunami advisory has been issued," AFP quoted the Japan Meteorological Agency as saying, cautioning that waves could reach the shore with little warning.
Public broadcaster NHK confirmed that tsunami waves were observed offshore and urged people to avoid beaches and coastal areas. However, live television footage showed calm waters in multiple locations.
Historical Context
The recent earthquake brought back memories of the 2011 disaster when a 9.0-magnitude undersea earthquake triggered a catastrophic tsunami. That event resulted in about 18,500 dead or missing people and led to a nuclear meltdown at three reactors in the Fukushima power plant, marking one of the worst nuclear disasters since Chernobyl.
"The 2011 earthquake and tsunami caused a devastating nuclear meltdown at Fukushima, one of the world's worst since Chernobyl."
Author's summary: A strong offshore earthquake sparked a tsunami advisory in Iwate, evoking memories of Japan’s 2011 tragedy while officials monitor for potentially hazardous waves.