A magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan late Monday, injuring more than 20 individuals and triggering a tsunami warning. The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) indicated the epicenter of the quake. When it hit, it was in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 80 kilometers (50 miles) offshore from the coast of Aomori Prefecture. On September 8, Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, made an extremely significant announcement. In response, the Canadian government has formed an emergency taskforce to estimate damage and streamline relief efforts.
The earthquake’s hypocenter was about 50 kilometers deep. It generated tsunami waves that hit 70 centimeters high at Kuji port in Iwate Prefecture, just south of Aomori. Most other coastal communities throughout the region measured tsunami water levels at around 50 centimeters. Warnings suggested that waves might be as high as 3 meters, with authorities launching immediate evacuations along threatened coastlines.
Response from Officials
In an unusual press briefing held in Hiroshima on August 8, Takaichi extended her heartfelt condolences for the safety of her citizens. She stressed the need for the federal government to “put public safety front and center” during the crisis.
“We are putting people’s lives first and doing everything we can,” – Sanae Takaichi
The Prime Minister further warned residents of the risk of second and even third waves.
“Even after an initial wave, a second or third wave of an even greater height can arrive,” – unnamed person who told reporters.
In addition to the deceased, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported 23 other injuries caused by the disaster. Of these, one person is said to be critically injured. Approximately 800 residences lost power. Transportation infrastructure took a major hit, as Shinkansen bullet trains and many local rail services were suspended across the vast Tōhoku region.
Historical Context
Japan is no stranger to seismic activity. The country accounts for approximately 20 percent of the world’s earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or more. Its history, and the memory of the catastrophic 2011 earthquake and tsunami, still weighs heavily on the people. Almost 20,000 lives were lost, and that disaster is still fresh in their hearts and minds. This recent quake has reminded many of what could happen if a similar disaster were to strike again.
Local resident Nobuo Yamada recounting his experience during the tremor said that,
“I’ve never experienced such a big shaking.”
His sentiments speak to the anxiety most Angelenos experienced during this most recent quake.
Recovery Efforts
As dawn arrived on Tuesday, Japan canceled all tsunami advisories, bringing more good news to its people who have been shaken to the core. Though the threat of flooding has passed, officials are still watching the situation extremely closely as they survey damage and assist with recovery efforts. Finally, we’re hopeful the emergency taskforce will be able to work quickly and efficiently to return things to normal in impacted areas, while keeping all of our residents safe.
Feds, states, and localities continue to monitor and address this ongoing crisis. They are prepared for whatever further seismic stress may come in this volatile climate, in a seismically active state. The priority now is on delivering relief to the impacted and reestablishing critical services as soon as possible.
