6.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Japan Coast

A 6.7 magnitude earthquake shook northeastern Japan on Friday, occurring off the east coast of Aomori prefecture at a depth of about 12 miles, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The agency issued a tsunami advisory, which was lifted about two hours later.

Small tsunami waves were reported in Hokkaido and Aomori prefectures, but no serious damage or injuries were reported. This quake followed a more powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake on Monday that caused at least 34 injuries and light damage, as well as a small tsunami reaching up to 28 inches.

The Monday earthquake prompted the government to issue a megaquake advisory, estimating that a future offshore megaquake could lead to a tsunami of up to 98 feet and potentially kill nearly 200,000 people.

However, officials clarified that the advisory was not a prediction, and the probability of a magnitude 8 or larger quake was only about 1%. This recent seismic activity has raised concerns about preparedness in a region frequently affected by natural disasters, particularly in light of the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that resulted in nearly 20,000 deaths and the destruction of a nuclear plant.

No tsunami alerts were issued on Friday for the West Coast of the U.S. or Hawaii.