On Monday, December 8th, Japan suffered from a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, following a 6.9 magnitude earthquake on Friday. The quake prompted tsunamis and mega-quake warnings all along the Pacific Coast as the region prepared for the possible aftermath.The tremors, beginning around 11:00 p.m., were located in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 50 miles off the coast of the city of Aomori.
Japan issued its highest level warning that a megaquake could follow Monday’s initial tremor. The term “mega-quake” is used to describe any quake stronger than an 8 on the Richter scale. A notice of this magnitude has not been issued since Japan’s new advanced warning system was developed in 2022. This notice, although severe, does not require residents to evacuate or halt daily activities, but urges precaution and readiness (The Independent).
This original quake injured at least 51 people and triggered several tsunami warnings– another natural disaster that Japan is especially susceptible to. According to the New York Times, “Japan’s location along the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ a chain of seismologically active faults encircling the Pacific Ocean, makes it one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. The nation experiences around 1,500 earthquakes a year, or up to three a day.” Japan suffered from its most recent mega-quake in March of 2011, when a 9.1 magnitude earthquake, following smaller tremors a few days earlier, rocked the country’s coast and triggered a tsunami that killed over 19,000 residents. This marked the strongest earthquake in the nation’s history (New York Times).
In recent updates, Japan has lifted its tsunami advisory, and authorities have confirmed that the reality of a megaquake dwindles with every passing day. Dr. B, a French teacher at Ramapo, shared that he feels for everyone in Japan who has to live in the constant fear of a natural disaster like this. He said, “I cannot imagine living somewhere where this could happen any day. It must be terrifying.” Emma Sanchez, a senior at Ramapo, shared this same sentiment. She remarked, “It is clear that Japan is taking the proper precautions and warning its citizens the best it can. I hope that Japan and other countries that are often impacted by earthquakes recover well and stay safe in the future.”
Residents of Northern Japan are beginning to recover after yet another disaster has disrupted their lives. Rampage wishes the best to all affected by this terrifying and monumental event.
