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A powerful 7.7 earthquake struck off Sanriku, Japan. Tsunami warnings have been lifted, but officials warn of increased risk of a magnitude 8+ megaquake in the coming days.
A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Sanriku, Japan, on Monday at 16:53 local time, sending shockwaves across a wide region including . Authorities initially issued high-level tsunami warnings, citing the risk of waves between 1 and 3 meters along the northeastern coastline.
Following real-time assessments, the warnings were gradually downgraded and eventually lifted after the highest recorded wave reached approximately 80 centimeters along the coast of . No major coastal flooding or structural damage was reported.
Despite the easing of tsunami threats, officials caution that the situation remains volatile. Seismologists warn that aftershocks could continue for several days, and the likelihood of a stronger earthquake—potentially exceeding magnitude 8.0—has risen above normal levels in the short term.
The Japanese government confirmed that there were no fatalities or major injuries linked to the quake. However, around 100 households experienced temporary power outages, and local authorities reported brief disruptions to transportation and daily life.
The affected region lies along the , one of the most seismically active zones in the world. Experts emphasize that large earthquakes in this region can trigger cascading seismic events, underscoring the need for continued vigilance.
Authorities are urging residents, particularly those in coastal and high-risk areas, to stay alert and follow official updates in the coming days.