TOKYO, JAPAN – Japan lifted a megaquake advisory for its northeastern coast on Tuesday, a week after a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the northern region, prompting concerns about a possible larger quake. The change means residents in the advisory area are no longer asked to keep helmets, shoes, and emergency grab bags at their bedside in case a magnitude 8 or greater earthquake occurs.
Officials from the Japan Meteorological Agency and Cabinet Office said the likelihood of a megaquake has decreased but warned that the risk has not vanished, urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared. The original advisory was issued last Monday following the quake off the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture, near Hokkaido, which caused mild damage, over 40 mostly minor injuries, and waves up to 70 centimeters (27 inches), though no tsunami damage was reported. Authorities noted that residents and municipalities responded calmly, without panic. Japan first introduced the advisory system for the Hokkaido-Sanriku area in 2022, drawing lessons from the 2011 magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that devastated the northeastern coast. A prior advisory in 2024 for the southern Pacific coast had led to panic buying and disruptions, highlighting the sensitivity of such warnings.