09 Oct 2023 | 02:34 AM UTC
Japan: Authorities maintain tsunami advisory across several prefectures following earthquakes near Izu Islands Oct. 9 /update 2
Officials maintain tsunami advisory for multiple prefectures in Japan after earthquakes near Izu Islands Oct. 9; avoid affected coastlines.
Event
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is maintaining a tsunami advisory for the following regions as of the morning of Oct. 9 following a series of offshore earthquakes near the Izu Islands:
Ogasawara Islands
Eastern and southwestern Chiba Prefecture
Kochi Prefecture
Miyazaki Prefecture
Eastern Kagoshima Prefecture
Tanegashima/Yakushima Region
Amami/Tokara Islands
Waves of up to 1 meter (3 feet) are forecast to impact coastal areas in the abovementioned regions; the JMA has notably reported a maximum wave height of 60 cm (2 feet) at Hachijo-jima; local reports indicate waves washed away two small boats moored at Yaene Port on Hachijo-jima. Officials have advised those near coastal areas, rivers, or lakes in the affected areas to immediately seek higher ground. Authorities may extend, rescind, or otherwise modify the tsunami advisory over the coming hours.
Officials have issued evacuation orders for around 37,000 people in coastal areas in Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture, as well as for residents in Kochi Prefecture along the ocean-facing embankment in Kochi, Nankoku, Tosashimizu, and Sukumo cities and for coastal areas of Konan City. Tokyo Bay Ferry and Tokai Kisen suspended some ferry services early Oct. 9. Additionally, JR East suspended trains on the Uchibo Line between Kimitsu and Awa-Kamogawa and on the Sotobo Line between Mobara and Awa-Kamogawa.
The magnitude-4.9 earthquake that prompted the tsunami advisory struck the Izu Islands region at around 05:25. Multiple aftershocks, including a magnitude-5.4 temblor that occurred approximately 552 km (342 miles) south of Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture, at around 06:17, followed the initial quake. There have been no reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquakes; however, damage is possible due to tsunami waves. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Additional aftershocks are likely over the coming days.
Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the impacted zones to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible in areas impacted by shaking and/or tsunami waves.
Advice
Move away from the immediate coastline in areas forecast to be impacted by tsunami waves; tsunamis can be long-duration events, and the threat may persist for hours. Consider vacating multistory buildings or unreinforced structures in areas where shaking occurred; aftershocks could cause additional damage. Cellular networks may be overwhelmed; use text messaging if services are available. Due to the threat of landslides, seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in affected areas.
