Japan issues advisory for northern coastal areas for slightly increased risk of mega-quake

Japanese authorities have issued an advisory warning of a slightly increased risk of a potential megaquake along the countryrsquos northern coast following a powerful earthquake earlier in the day reported Associated PressAdvisory issued after strong earthquake near northern coastThe advisory was jointly issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Cabinet Office after a magnitude 75 earthquake struck off the northern coast near the Chishima Trench region on Monday evening reported Associated PressOfficials clarified that the alert is precautionary in nature and not a prediction However they estimated a roughly one per cent probability of a larger ldquomegaquakerdquo occurring in the region within the next week reported Associated PressResidents urged to remain alert but avoid panicAuthorities have advised residents in northern coastal areas to enhance preparedness by keeping emergency supplies ready including food water and evacuation kits At the same time people have been encouraged to continue their normal routines without panic reported Associated PressThis marks the second such advisory in recent months with a similar warning issued after a major earthquake in December No largescale quake followed that alertTsunami waves recorded evacuation advisories issuedThe earlier earthquake triggered tsunami alerts across parts of northern Japan Waves measuring about 80 centimetres were recorded at Kuji port in Iwate Prefecture while smaller waves of around 40 centimetres were also observed reported Associated PressAuthorities warned that waves of up to 3 metres could impact coastal areas prompting evacuation advisories for more than 128000 residents across Iwate and neighbouring prefectures Many residents moved to higher ground with visuals showing people gathering in designated safe zones reported Associated PressHowever the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center later stated that the tsunami threat from the earthquake had largely passedNo major damage or nuclear impact reportedOfficials from Japanrsquos Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed that so far no significant injuries or structural damage have been reported Critical infrastructure including power stations remains unaffected reported Associated PressThe Nuclear Regulation Authority also confirmed that nuclear facilities including those in affected regions are operating normally with no abnormalities detectedAftershocks likely monitoring continuesAuthorities have warned that aftershocks of similar intensity may occur over the coming week urging continued caution in vulnerable areas Coastal residents have been advised to avoid shorelines and riverbanks until all warnings are officially lifted reported Associated PressPast disasters heighten cautionThe latest developments have revived memories of the devastating 2011 Thoku earthquake and tsunami which resulted in over 22000 deaths and triggered a nuclear crisis at FukushimaOfficials stressed that while current risks remain low preparedness is essential in a country prone to seismic activityWith inputs from Associated Press