Japan Warns of Higher Risk of Huge Earthquake After 7.7 Magnitude Quake
Officials in Japan have warned of an increased risk of a huge earthquake. The warning comes after a 7.7 magnitude quake struck off the north-east coast. Thousands of people were told to evacuate coastal areas. Warnings of 3m tsunami waves were also issued.
Strong Quake Strikes Off North-East Coast
The quake happened in waters off Iwate prefecture. That is 530km north of Tokyo. The biggest waves measured 80cm. However, the meteorological agency warned that stronger shaking could occur in the next week. Bigger waves could follow.
Risk of 8.0 Magnitude Quake
Later, the agency gave a more specific warning. The risk of a quake measuring 8.0 or higher is now “relatively higher than during normal times”. People in Japan still remember the 2011 disaster. A huge quake triggered a tsunami that killed more than 18,000 people. It also caused a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant.
Tremors Felt in Tokyo
Monday’s undersea quake was recorded at a depth of 10km. Warnings were issued to residents nearest the epicentre. That includes Japan’s main island, Honshu, and the northern region of Hokkaido. Tremors were felt as far away as Tokyo.In Hokkaido, tsunami alerts remained in place two hours after the quake. The quake struck at 16:52 local time.
