Japan's 'Megaquake' warning: Is the Nation prepared for the unthinkable?
TOI GLOBAL DESK | Dec 10, 2025, 21:31 IST
Why Japan has issued an advisory for a possible megaquake in the country's north
Image credit : AP
A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake off Japan's northern coast has triggered a rare "megaquake" warning, increasing the chance of a larger seismic event in the coming week. This is the first such warning for the Hokkaido and Sanriku regions since 2022. While urging preparedness, officials advise against panic as the region braces for potential aftershocks.
A strong earthquake off Japan’s northern coast has triggered a rare “megaquake” warning, with officials asking people to stay alert in the coming days.
A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture on Monday night, shaking wide parts of northern Japan and even being felt as far away as Tokyo. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), this quake has increased the chances of a much larger earthquake happening in the same area within the next week.
This is the first time Japan has issued this kind of megaquake warning for the Hokkaido and Sanriku coastal regions since the system was introduced in 2022, as reported by local Japanese media.
Tsukasa Morikubo, a Cabinet official in charge of disaster management, said during a press briefing that people should not panic, but should prepare.
“It is unclear whether a large-scale earthquake will occur, but everyone should heed the call to take precautions to protect their own lives,” Morikubo said, according to official government briefings.
The quake triggered small tsunamis of around two feet and injured at least 30 people. Local authorities also issued evacuation orders for about 90,000 residents in risk-prone coastal areas. Photos shared by local Japanese media showed cracked roads and damage to buildings in Aomori. On social media, videos showed people struggling to stand as the ground shook.
Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, warned residents to closely follow official updates. “Please pay close attention to updates from authorities and be prepared to evacuate if necessary,” she said, as quoted by Japanese national broadcasters.
In Japan, a megaquake is an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 or higher. These powerful quakes usually happen at tectonic plate boundaries under the ocean. Japan sits on the “Ring of Fire,” one of the most active earthquake zones in the world. It experiences small tremors almost every day, but large quakes can cause major destruction. One of the worst disasters was the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, which measured 9.0 in magnitude and caused deadly tsunamis and nuclear damage in Fukushima.
Experts say that after a strong earthquake above magnitude 7.0, the risk of another, stronger quake rises slightly for a short period. According to JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency), there is about a 1 in 100 chance of a magnitude 8 or stronger earthquake in the same region within a week after such an event. That risk is considered higher than normal.
Earthquake expert Yoshihiro Hiramatsu, said the recent quake may have shifted underground pressure, which can sometimes lead to a bigger shock.
Officials are not asking people to evacuate immediately, but they are urging families to prepare: Secure heavy furniture, Check evacuation routes, Keep emergency kits ready with food, water, flashlights and batteries. Authorities say preparation is the best way to stay safe.
A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture on Monday night, shaking wide parts of northern Japan and even being felt as far away as Tokyo. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), this quake has increased the chances of a much larger earthquake happening in the same area within the next week.
This is the first time Japan has issued this kind of megaquake warning for the Hokkaido and Sanriku coastal regions since the system was introduced in 2022, as reported by local Japanese media.
Tsukasa Morikubo, a Cabinet official in charge of disaster management, said during a press briefing that people should not panic, but should prepare.
“It is unclear whether a large-scale earthquake will occur, but everyone should heed the call to take precautions to protect their own lives,” Morikubo said, according to official government briefings.
The quake triggered small tsunamis of around two feet and injured at least 30 people. Local authorities also issued evacuation orders for about 90,000 residents in risk-prone coastal areas. Photos shared by local Japanese media showed cracked roads and damage to buildings in Aomori. On social media, videos showed people struggling to stand as the ground shook.
Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, warned residents to closely follow official updates. “Please pay close attention to updates from authorities and be prepared to evacuate if necessary,” she said, as quoted by Japanese national broadcasters.
In Japan, a megaquake is an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 or higher. These powerful quakes usually happen at tectonic plate boundaries under the ocean. Japan sits on the “Ring of Fire,” one of the most active earthquake zones in the world. It experiences small tremors almost every day, but large quakes can cause major destruction. One of the worst disasters was the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, which measured 9.0 in magnitude and caused deadly tsunamis and nuclear damage in Fukushima.
Experts say that after a strong earthquake above magnitude 7.0, the risk of another, stronger quake rises slightly for a short period. According to JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency), there is about a 1 in 100 chance of a magnitude 8 or stronger earthquake in the same region within a week after such an event. That risk is considered higher than normal.
Earthquake expert Yoshihiro Hiramatsu, said the recent quake may have shifted underground pressure, which can sometimes lead to a bigger shock.
Officials are not asking people to evacuate immediately, but they are urging families to prepare: Secure heavy furniture, Check evacuation routes, Keep emergency kits ready with food, water, flashlights and batteries. Authorities say preparation is the best way to stay safe.