Megaquake advisory lifted in Japan as officials warn public to remain vigilant

Japan A megaearthquake warning was lifted for the country’s northeastern coast on Tuesday, a week after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the northern coast. Japan Officials said this increases the risk of a major earthquake later on.

The lifting means that residents in areas designated under the advisory will no longer be asked to sleep in their day clothes, helmets, shoes and will have to keep bags near their beds if an earthquake of magnitude 8 or greater occurs in the area.

At a joint press conference, officials Japan Meteorological Agency and this cabinet Office Said that the probability of a megaquake has reduced to some extent, but the relief does not mean that the risk has disappeared, urging residents to maintain an adequate level of vigilance and preparedness.

The agency issued a so-called megaquake advisory last Monday after a magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck off the east coast of Aomori, the northernmost prefecture. Japanis the main island of honshuand just south of the North Island HokkaidoDue to which there was minor damage in the area.

According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, more than 40 people were injured and dozens of houses were damaged due to the earthquake. Tsunami warnings and advisories were issued and waves up to 70 centimeters (27 in) were recorded in some parts of the area, but no damage was caused by the tsunami.

Officials said municipalities and residents reacted calmly to the advisory and there was no panic.

in the summer of 2024, when Japan “Nanakai Trough” megaquake advisory issued for the first time for the southern part of the country Calm Beaches, the vagueness of that warning led to panic buying of emergency food, event cancellations and business closures.

Arrangement for issuing advisories for Hokkaido-The Sanriku region was projected in 2022 as lessons from the 2011 disaster, when a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the area. JapanNortheast coast of.