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Japan has been rattled by a third consecutive earthquake in just days, following Monday’s massive 7.6 tremor. While no tsunami warning has been issued, experts warn the seismic risk is rising could an even bigger quake be on the horizon?
Japan hit by third consecutive earthquake
Tokyo: Japan has been shaken by another significant earthquake, registering a magnitude of 6.5 (5.9 on the Japanese scale), marking the third consecutive day of seismic activity in the country. Authorities have confirmed that there is no tsunami threat following the latest tremor.
Wednesday’s earthquake was primarily felt in eastern Aomori and Hokkaido prefectures. The tremor originated at a depth of 30 kilometers, causing noticeable shaking in buildings but significantly less severe than Monday’s massive 7.6 magnitude quake.
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Earlier, on Tuesday, Honchō town experienced tremors measuring 6.7, demonstrating a continuing pattern of seismic activity in the region. Despite the relatively lower magnitude of Wednesday’s quake, residents have been urged to remain vigilant.
Monday’s earthquake caused substantial damage across affected regions. Buildings shook violently, roads cracked, and windows shattered. Authorities reported tsunami waves of up to 70 centimeters (28 inches) along some coastal areas.
The disaster resulted in at least 51 injuries so far, with numbers expected to rise as rescue and assessment operations continue.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a rare “megaquake advisory” after Monday’s earthquake, warning of an elevated probability of a magnitude 8.0 or higher quake in the coming week. “Due to the occurrence of this earthquake, the relative likelihood of a new large-scale earthquake has increased compared to normal times,” the agency said.
Residents in coastal regions have been advised to remain alert, maintain emergency supplies, and be ready to evacuate if necessary. Authorities cautioned that a future large-scale earthquake could trigger a massive tsunami or intense shaking in affected areas.
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The JMA noted that seismic risks have risen along the Hokkaido-Sanriku coast, where the Pacific Plate subducts beneath Japan, forming the Japan Trench and Chishima Trench zones historically responsible for some of Japan’s largest earthquakes.
Interestingly, the pattern of tremors preceding Monday’s quake mirrors that of the 2011 magnitude 9.0 Tōhoku earthquake, which was also preceded by smaller tremors just days earlier. Experts suggest that close monitoring and preparedness remain crucial in this seismically active region.
