Another Earthquake Strikes Northeast Japan, Tsunami Warnings Issued
Japan’s northeast coast was rattled once again on December 12, when an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.7 hit the region at 11:44am, just off the coast of Aomori Prefecture.
The Japan Meteorological Agency wasted no time issuing a tsunami advisory, warning of waves that could reach up to 1 meter high.
The Singapore Embassy in Tokyo quickly jumped on Facebook to alert Singaporeans in the affected areas—urging them to stay away from coasts and river mouths, and to keep evacuating until all advisories are lifted.
Days Apart
This latest quake comes just days after a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck the very same region on the evening of December 8.
That earlier quake left at least 30 people injured and sent tsunami waves as high as 70cm crashing onto shore.
While tsunami warnings were downgraded by the morning of December 9, Japanese authorities aren’t taking any chances—they’ve now issued a precautionary alert for a potential megaquake of magnitude 8 or higher.
The Bigger Picture
According to Japanese media, the government has warned that a massive maximum-level earthquake triggering a major tsunami along the Japan and Chishima trenches could claim up to 199,000 lives—a threat that experts say is becoming increasingly imminent.
A megaquake in this area could set off tsunamis devastating Japan’s entire Pacific coastline, from Hokkaido all the way down to Chiba Prefecture.
With brutal winter weather already setting in, authorities are stressing the importance of thorough preparation.
The good news? The council estimates that fatalities could be slashed by 80 percent if people can reach higher ground quickly enough.
Proper cold-weather preparation could also “virtually eliminate” deaths from hypothermia.
Officials are urging individuals to keep cash and identification on hand, double-check their emergency supplies, and secure furniture in case aftershocks intensify, according to The Mainichi Shimbun.
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