Tokyo: Two major earthquakes rattled the Pacific region on Friday, December 12, prompting Japanese authorities to issue a tsunami advisory that was later lifted after waves measuring up to 20 centimetres reached coastal areas. The tremors come just days after a more powerful quake struck the same region, injuring dozens and triggering a rare government warning about the potential for a catastrophic megaquake.

Latest Seismic Activity Tests Japan's Preparedness

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck the North Pacific Ocean at 8:14 AM local time on Friday at a depth of 40 kilometres, according to India's National Centre for Seismology. Hours later, a 6.7 magnitude quake hit off the northeastern coast of Japan at 11:44 AM, occurring at a shallower depth of 20 kilometres near Aomori Prefecture.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the Pacific coasts of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures, warning of potential waves up to 1 meter. Waves measuring approximately 20 centimetres were observed in parts of Hokkaido and Aomori before the advisory was lifted around 2 PM. Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority reported no abnormalities at nuclear facilities in the region.

Heightened Alert After Monday's Powerful Quake

Friday's earthquakes occurred against the backdrop of intensified seismic concerns following a 7.5 magnitude quake that struck off Aomori's coast late Monday, December 8. That earthquake injured at least 46 people, triggered tsunami waves up to 70 centimetres, and prompted evacuation orders for approximately 90,000 residents.

In response to Monday's quake, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a special advisory warning residents from Hokkaido to Chiba Prefecture of an elevated risk, approximately 1 per cent, of a magnitude 8 or higher earthquake occurring within the next week. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has urged residents to "pay close attention to updates" and "be prepared so you can immediately evacuate as soon as you feel a tremor".

Government estimates suggest an offshore megaquake could generate tsunami waves up to 98 feet and potentially claim nearly 200,000 lives. The region sits along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where approximately 81 per cent of the planet's largest earthquakes occur.