Is a Tsunami Warning in Effect for Northern Japan's Pacific Coast Following a 6.7-Magnitude Earthquake?
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Synopsis
A tsunami warning has been activated for northern Japan's Pacific coast following a 6.7-magnitude earthquake off Aomori Prefecture. This advisory raises concerns about potential tsunami waves and the seismic activity in this historically vulnerable region.
Key Takeaways
- Tsunami advisory issued for northern Japan after a 6.7-magnitude quake.
- The quake occurred off the coast of Aomori Prefecture.
- Waves of up to 1 meter expected along coastal areas.
- No abnormalities reported at nearby nuclear facilities.
- Japan remains at high risk due to its location in the Ring of Fire.
Tokyo, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami advisory for the northern coast of Japan's Pacific region after a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 was recorded off the coast of Aomori Prefecture on Friday.
The earthquake took place at 11:44 a.m. local time, located at a depth of 20 kilometers, and registered a level 4 on Japan's seismic scale of 7 in the areas most affected.
Initially reported as a 6.5 magnitude quake, the JMA upgraded the earthquake's magnitude and subsequently released a tsunami advisory for the coastal zones of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures, anticipating wave heights of up to 1 meter.
The epicenter of the earthquake was determined to be at a latitude of 40.9 degrees north and a longitude of 143.0 degrees east.
Earlier in the week, a more powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the same area, registering upper 6 on Japan's seismic scale in certain parts of Aomori, leading to the issuance of tsunami warnings for Iwate and parts of Hokkaido and Aomori as reported by Xinhua.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed on Friday that there were no immediate abnormalities detected at the nuclear facilities in the region.
In the aftermath of Monday's quake, the JMA had issued a rare special advisory warning that the possibility of another quake of similar or greater magnitude existed for up to a week.
This advisory encompassed the Sanriku region on the northeastern tip of Japan's main island of Honshu and Hokkaido, which is directly facing the Pacific.
Japan's history is marked by a devastating 9.0-magnitude undersea earthquake in 2011 that triggered a catastrophic tsunami, resulting in approximately 18,500 individuals dead or missing.
In August 2024, the JMA had also issued its first special advisory for the southern half of Japan's Pacific coast, cautioning against a potential 'megaquake' along the Nankai Trough.
Positioned atop four significant tectonic plates along the western edge of the Pacific's 'Ring of Fire', Japan is one of the globe's most seismically active regions.
The archipelago, home to around 125 million residents, experiences about 1,500 earthquakes annually, with most being mild; however, the extent of damage varies based on their location and depth.
Point of View
It is our responsibility to inform the public about significant seismic events such as the recent earthquake that has led to a tsunami advisory. We encourage our audience to stay vigilant and follow official guidelines while we continue to monitor the situation closely.
NationPress
12/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the tsunami advisory in northern Japan?
The tsunami advisory was issued following a 6.7-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Aomori Prefecture.
How high are the expected tsunami waves?
Waves of up to 1 meter are expected in the affected coastal areas.
Is there any impact on nuclear facilities in the region?
The Nuclear Regulation Authority reported no immediate abnormalities at the nuclear facilities in the area.
What precautions should residents take?
Residents should stay informed via official channels and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
What is the historical context of earthquakes in Japan?
Japan is located in a seismically active zone and has experienced significant earthquakes in the past, including the 2011 disaster.
