Japan Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Advisory for Iwate Prefecture
Japan issued a tsunami advisory for Iwate Prefecture on Sunday evening after a 6.8-magnitude offshore earthquake struck the northern Pacific region. Authorities warned of possible waves up to one metre high along the coast.
Details of the Earthquake
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake's magnitude as 6.8, while India's National Center for Seismology (NCS) measured it at 6.6. The earthquake occurred approximately 30 km below the ocean surface near coordinates 39.51° N latitude and 143.38° E longitude, around 5:03 pm local time.
Tsunami Warning and Public Response
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) quickly issued the tsunami advisory for the Iwate coastline.
“A tsunami advisory has been issued,”AFP quoted the agency, urging residents to be alert as waves could reach the shore with little warning.
Public broadcaster NHK confirmed tsunami waves had been observed offshore and advised people to avoid beaches and coastal areas. Despite this, live broadcasts showed calm waters in several locations.
Historical Context
The earthquake revived concerns from the 2011 disaster, when a 9.0-magnitude undersea quake triggered a catastrophic tsunami. That event caused about 18,500 casualties and led to the meltdown of three nuclear reactors at the Fukushima plant, one of the worst nuclear disasters since Chernobyl.
Summary: A 6.8-magnitude offshore earthquake prompted a tsunami advisory in Japan's Iwate Prefecture, raising concerns due to its proximity to the site of the devastating 2011 tsunami and nuclear crisis.
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