Japan Meteorological Agency Warns of Higher Earthquake Risk After 7.7 Magnitude Quake Strikes

Japanese officials have cautioned that the risk of a significant earthquake, potentially measuring 8.0 magnitude or higher, is now “relatively higher than during normal times” for the next seven days. This follows a 7.7 magnitude quake that struck off the north-east coast near Iwate prefecture.

The initial undersea tremor, recorded at a depth of 10km, prompted tsunami warnings across parts of Japan’s east coast, including Honshu and Hokkaido, and led to evacuation orders for thousands in coastal areas. While the largest waves observed measured 80cm, the Meteorological Agency stressed that future quakes could generate larger waves.

Tremors were felt as far as Tokyo, and 100 homes temporarily lost power. Japan's Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed no immediate reports of major damage or injuries. Authorities used loudspeakers to advise residents to move to higher ground, with warnings remaining in place for several hours before being downgraded to alerts.

The country remains acutely aware of the 2011 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami, which resulted in over 18,000 fatalities and the Fukushima nuclear plant meltdown. Japan's location on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ accounts for approximately 1,500 earthquakes annually, with around 10% of global quakes measuring 6.0 magnitude or higher occurring there.