Un 6,9 earthquake shook Fukushima Early Tuesday morning, the same area devastated by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that occurred in March 2011. For safety reasons, authorities issued a giant wave alert and asked residents to leave this and three other regions immediately. This event also reminds us of the important history of Fukushima and their vulnerability to natural disasters, as well as the need to be informed about the Pacific Ring of Fire and Tsunami that can result from these events. It is also crucial to understand the history of the strongest earthquakes in history in Fukushima to assess changes in the local geography.
Despite the initial alarm, fortunately there have been no casualties and no major damage.
Japanese leave the city of Iwaki after the earthquake.
Image - AP
The earthquake occurred at 05.59 local time (21.59 Spanish time). It has been located 10km deep off the coast of Fukushima, 200km from Tokyo. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that it occurred 67km northeast of the town of Iwaki, in Fukushima Prefecture. These data are important for understanding the context of the earthquakes and their impact on vulnerable regions, especially in the ring of Fire.
After the event, the authorities activated the tsunami alert for waves that could reach three meters in the prefectures of Fukushima, Iwate, Mygagi and Ibaraki. However, in the end the waves that were recorded did not exceed 1,4 meters in the port city of Sendai, and in other areas at risk they only reached 90 centimeters. Three hours later the alert was lowered, warning that waves of between 20 centimeters and one meter could occur, and at 12.50 local time it was deactivated.
Despite the magnitude of the earthquake, there have been no victims or significant damageGovernment spokesman Yoshihide Suga has confirmed that only a dozen minor injuries have been reported. However, everyone's fear and concern are great, as it has relived the magnitude 9 earthquake that occurred in 2011, causing 18.500 deaths. Residents of cities near nuclear facilities are concerned. In this regard, the operator TEPCO stated that nuclear power plants have not suffered serious damage and are operating normallyFor more information about the consequences, you can read about the radioactive tsunamis that can be generated by events like this, a constant concern in regions like Fukushima. Furthermore, it's vital to remember what happened in March 2011, when the earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the region.
Even so, authorities are urging citizens to stay informed at all times in case of aftershocks. The lessons learned from the past are crucial for preparing for future earthquakes, especially in places like .
We leave you with a video recorded just at the moment the earthquake occurred:
