Strong Quake Hits Northern Japan, Injures Ten and Triggers Alerts

A significant earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of the Aomori region in northern Japan on March 15, 2024, injuring at least ten people. The quake occurred at 11:15 PM local time (14:15 GMT) and generated tsunami waves reaching up to 70 centimetres (approximately 28 inches). Fortunately, there appears to be no major structural damage reported in the aftermath.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned that the earthquake raised the likelihood of additional tremors in the coming days. Among the injured, one person sustained serious injuries in Hokkaido, where the quake’s intensity prompted alarm systems to activate, alerting residents. Eyewitness accounts from an AFP reporter indicated that the ground shook violently for about 30 seconds, with shattered glass observed littering roads.

In the hours following the earthquake, approximately 2,700 homes in Aomori were reported to be without power, and numerous fires were documented across the region. Initial warnings from the JMA indicated that tsunami waves could potentially reach up to three metres (about 10 feet). Although the waves ultimately measured substantially lower, many residents were urged to evacuate to safer areas.

Public broadcaster NHK reported that a hotel employee in Hachinohe, Aomori, confirmed some injuries related to the quake. Meanwhile, Shinkansen bullet train services were suspended in various locations while engineers conducted damage assessments on the tracks.

In a reassuring update, Tohoku Electric Power reported that no abnormalities were detected at its nuclear facilities in the region, including the Higashidori plant in Aomori and the Onagawa facility in Miyagi prefecture.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to remain vigilant. “Please listen to information from the JMA or local governments for about a week and check if furniture is fixed. Be prepared to evacuate when you feel shaking,” she advised.

Japan has a long history of seismic activity, sitting atop four major tectonic plates along the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” The country experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually, with the vast majority being mild. However, the potential for more significant events remains a concern. In a recent assessment, a government panel increased the probability of a major earthquake occurring in the Nankai Trough over the next 30 years to between 75% and 82%.

The government’s updated estimates in March highlighted the catastrophic potential of such an event, predicting that a “megaquake” could lead to as many as 298,000 deaths and cause damages amounting to $2 trillion.

As recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and preparedness in a nation accustomed to living with the threat of seismic activity.