A 50-centimeter tsunami struck an island south of Tokyo on Tuesday following a magnitude 5.8 earthquake, according to Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA). The quake’s epicenter was in waters near Torishima Island, part of the Izu island chain in the Pacific Ocean.
The JMA reported that the tsunami was detected at Hachijo Island, with smaller tsunamis recorded at Kozu Island (20 cm) and Miyake Island (10 cm). A tsunami advisory was initially issued for the Izu and Ogasawara islands after the quake but was lifted once seismic activity subsided. The earthquake, initially reported as a magnitude 5.9, was later revised down by the agency.
No reports of damage or injuries have been confirmed, according to Tokyo police. Despite the tsunami and earthquake, daily life in the affected regions remained largely unaffected.
Japan, situated at the intersection of four tectonic plates, is highly prone to seismic events. The country regularly experiences earthquakes due to its geologically active location and is home to over 100 active volcanoes.
This latest earthquake is a reminder of Japan’s vulnerability to natural disasters. In 2011, a catastrophic 9.0-magnitude earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami that killed over 15,000 people and caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster, one of the most severe nuclear accidents in history.
Japan has since implemented stringent safety measures and improved its early warning systems to minimize the impact of such events. The quick response from authorities in issuing and lifting the tsunami advisory highlights these efforts, which aim to protect the population from the frequent seismic and volcanic threats in the region.
While this event passed without serious damage, it underscores the ongoing risks Japan faces from its volatile natural environment. The nation’s preparedness and monitoring systems continue to be crucial in mitigating the impact of future earthquakes and tsunamis.
