PressAdda
Kathmandu – A highly destructive 7.6 magnitude earthquake has struck, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning. Officials have cautioned that tsunami waves up to 10 feet high could reach coastal areas, urging residents in low-lying zones to immediately evacuate and move to higher ground. People in affected regions have also been warned to stay away from seashores and river mouths, which could overflow.
The epicenter of the quake was located off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture in Japan. It struck at 11:15 p.m. local time. According to Japan’s Meteorological Agency, the epicenter was about 30 miles beneath the seabed. Authorities have issued immediate evacuation orders in several regions, warning that tsunami waves could hit Japan’s northern Pacific coastline. The 7.6 magnitude estimate has raised serious concerns, as it indicates the potential for extensive damage and destruction.
Tsunami alerts have been issued for the northern prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake struck Misawa City. Local media stated that tremors were felt as far away as Tokyo. Following the tsunami warning, nuclear power plants are conducting safety checks.
Japan, situated at the convergence of several continental and oceanic plates, experiences between 1,500 and 2,000 earthquakes annually, ranging from mild to severe. In 2011, the country recorded its most powerful earthquake, which triggered massive tsunami waves reaching up to 133 feet in certain prefectures. That disaster claimed 19,759 lives and left thousands injured.
