Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Hits Japan's Tohoku Region, Six Injured, Authorities Warn of Further Major Quakes

(Tokyo, April 21, CNA) A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Sanriku in Japan's Tohoku region yesterday afternoon, injuring at least six people as of this morning. The earthquake also triggered a tsunami of up to 80 centimeters, but fortunately, no major damage has been reported. Authorities do not rule out the possibility of another major earthquake.

According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) of Japan, as of 8:00 AM today, a total of six people were injured, two of whom sustained serious injuries.

Officials stated that there have been no reports of damage to important facilities or fires.

Agence France-Presse reported that the earthquake was so powerful that high-rise buildings in Tokyo, hundreds of kilometers away, could clearly be felt swaying.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake occurred at 4:53 PM local time on the 20th, with its epicenter located approximately 100 kilometers east of Miyako City, off the coast of Sanriku. The focal depth was about 10 kilometers, and the earthquake magnitude was revised upwards to 7.7. About two minutes after the earthquake, authorities issued a tsunami warning for Iwate Prefecture and the central Pacific coast of Hokkaido, which was lifted several hours later.

"The possibility of another large earthquake occurring is higher than usual," said the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency noted that local governments in the affected areas have issued non-mandatory evacuation instructions to over 182,000 residents.

Japan is located on the western edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire, situated at the junction of four major tectonic plates, and is considered one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. With a population of approximately 125 million, Japan experiences an average of about 1,500 earthquakes annually, accounting for about 18% of the world's total earthquakes. (Compiled by: Chi Chin-ling) 1150421

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