Tsunami Threat Eased After Magnitude 6.9 Earthquake Off Iwate
A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture on Sunday evening, registering a shindo 4 on Japan's seismic intensity scale. The quake occurred at 5:03 p.m. and caused tsunami waves up to 20 centimeters in some locations.
A tsunami advisory was promptly issued for Iwate Prefecture, warning of waves that could reach 1 meter, but it was lifted shortly after 8 p.m.
Wave Observations and Aftershocks
- Tsunami waves of about 20 cm were recorded at Ofunato Port at 6:25 p.m. and Kuji Port at 5:52 p.m., according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
- The initial quake registered shindo 4 in Morioka City, Yahaba Town in Iwate, and Wakuya Town in Miyagi Prefecture.
- By 8:30 p.m., 11 aftershocks were recorded in the region, including one with a magnitude of 6.3 and shindo 3.
Impact and Responses
No injuries or damage were reported immediately after the earthquake. East Japan Railway noted a brief power loss causing temporary suspension of the Tohoku Shinkansen between Sendai and Shin-Aomori stations.
Tohoku Electric Power reported no issues at the Onagawa nuclear power plant in Miyagi Prefecture.
"A magnitude 6.9 earthquake measuring 4 on Japan's seismic intensity scale struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture on Sunday evening, triggering tsunami waves of 20 centimeters in some areas and prompting evacuation orders in some municipalities."
The quake's magnitude was later revised up from the initial 6.7 by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Summary
This seismic event caused minor tsunami waves and aftershocks but no injuries, with authorities quickly lifting the tsunami advisory.
Author’s summary: The 6.9 magnitude earthquake off Iwate caused small tsunami waves and brief transport disruptions but no reported damage or casualties.