TOKYO — Northeastern Japan experienced a significant seismic event on Friday when a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Aomori prefecture. The tremor, which occurred at 11:44 a.m. local time at a depth of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles), prompted immediate tsunami warnings from the Japan Meteorological Agency. These advisories were lifted approximately two hours later after only minor wave activity was recorded.
The quake generated small tsunami waves that reached coastal areas of Hokkaido and Aomori prefectures, but preliminary assessments indicated no substantial damage or injuries resulting from the event. This seismic activity follows a more powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake that impacted the same region earlier in the week, which resulted in multiple injuries and temporary power disruptions.
Seismologists note that both recent earthquakes occurred in proximity to the epicenter of the catastrophic 2011 magnitude 9.0 quake that devastated Japan’s northeastern coast, claiming nearly 20,000 lives and causing the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Japanese authorities have maintained heightened alert levels, warning residents of potential aftershocks and advising continued emergency preparedness measures.
While officials confirmed a marginally increased risk of larger seismic events following Monday’s quake, they emphasized that current monitoring does not predict an imminent megaquake. The agency continues to urge coastal communities from Chiba prefecture to Hokkaido to remain vigilant and maintain disaster readiness protocols.