A 6.7 magnitude earthquake rattled northeastern Japan, triggering minor tsunami waves but causing no evident damage on Friday, following a stronger quake in the same area earlier in the week. The earthquake on Friday struck off the eastern coast of Aomori prefecture, located in the northern part of Honshu, the primary Japanese island. It occurred at a depth of 20 kilometers at 11:44 a.m. local time, as reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency, which issued a tsunami advisory that was later lifted about two hours after the event. Although small waves were observed in Hokkaido and Aomori prefectures, there were no significant reports of damage or injuries.
The seismic activity on Friday succeeded a 7.5 magnitude earthquake earlier in the week in the north, which resulted in injuries, minor damages, and a tsunami affecting Pacific coastal communities. The quake on Monday off the coast of Aomori left at least 34 individuals injured. A tsunami exceeding 0.6 meters above tide levels was recorded in Kuji port in Iwate prefecture before all tsunami advisories were rescinded. The power supply to several homes was disrupted but was largely restored by Tuesday morning. Authorities had cautioned about potential aftershocks following the Monday quake.
Post the seismic event on Monday, officials highlighted a slight escalation in the risk of a magnitude 8-level earthquake and potential tsunami along Japan’s northeastern coast, spanning from Chiba, just east of Tokyo, to Hokkaido. The Japan Meteorological Agency urged residents in 182 municipalities in the region to remain vigilant about their emergency preparedness in the upcoming week, emphasizing that the cautionary advice did not forecast a major quake.
These incidents took place in the coastal area, which was previously devastated by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in 2011, claiming the lives of nearly 20,000 individuals and causing extensive damage, including the destruction of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
