Japan Issues Tsunami Alert for Iwate After 6.8-Magnitude Quake
A powerful earthquake struck off Japan’s Iwate Prefecture on Sunday, leading authorities to issue a tsunami advisory, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported. The quake, registering magnitude 6.8, occurred around 5:03 p.m. local time in the North Pacific Ocean, at a depth of roughly 30 kilometers, according to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency and India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS).
Tsunami Advisory and Public Response
The government issued a warning for the Iwate coastline, cautioning that tsunami waves up to one meter high could reach the shore. Japan’s national broadcaster NHK confirmed the arrival of minor offshore waves and advised residents to stay away from coastal regions.
“Authorities issued a tsunami warning for the Iwate coast, cautioning that waves up to one metre high could reach the shore.”
Live broadcasts showed relatively calm seas, with officials emphasizing continued vigilance. The event revived memories of the catastrophic 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which caused about 18,500 deaths and triggered the Fukushima nuclear crisis.
Earthquake Preparedness in Japan
Japan’s sophisticated disaster warning systems and strict building codes help mitigate damage from frequent seismic activity. Tokyo’s modern skyscrapers, built with advanced damping technology, are engineered to flex and absorb seismic shocks without collapsing.
Author’s Summary: A magnitude 6.8 earthquake off Iwate triggered a tsunami warning and renewed Japan’s commitment to disaster safety after memories of the 2011 tragedy resurfaced.