Key Takeaways
- 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Iwate prefecture coast
- Tsunami advisory issued, later lifted after 3 hours
- No immediate reports of injuries, damage, or nuclear plant abnormalities
- Highest detected tsunami waves reached 20 centimeters
A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan’s northern coast on Sunday evening, triggering a tsunami advisory that was later lifted. The quake rattled Iwate prefecture at 5:03 pm local time, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
Japan Meteorological Agency reported the earthquake occurred at a depth of 16 kilometers (10 miles). Several aftershocks followed the initial temblor.
Tsunami Advisory Details
Authorities initially warned of potential tsunami waves up to 1 meter (3 feet) along the northern coastal region, with some spots possibly experiencing waves as high as 3 meters. The advisory was lifted approximately three hours after being issued.
Actual tsunami measurements remained significantly lower than the worst-case predictions. Waves of about 10 centimeters (4 inches) were detected at Ofunato city, Ominato port, Miyako and Kamaishi. The highest recorded waves reached 20 centimeters (8 inches) in Kuji coastal area and later in Ofunato.
Nuclear Safety Confirmed
Officials confirmed no abnormalities were reported at the two nuclear power plants in the affected region. This brings relief to a nation with heightened sensitivity to seismic events affecting nuclear facilities since the 2011 Fukushima disaster .
The swift lifting of the tsunami advisory and absence of significant damage indicates the region’s robust earthquake preparedness systems functioned as intended.
