Tsunami Reaches Japan's Pacific Coast Following Earthquake Off Russia

On the 30th, tsunamis reached various locations along Japan's Pacific coast, triggered by an earthquake off the coast of Russia. A tsunami of 80cm was observed at Yaene, Hachijojima in Tokyo, and Hanasaki, Nemuro City in Hokkaido, respectively. In addition, tsunamis ranging from 30cm to 40cm, with a maximum of 1.3m, were confirmed at multiple other locations. Even if no shaking is felt from an earthquake, tsunamis can still approach, and vigilance continues in various areas.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued tsunami warnings and advisories, urging coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground immediately. On social media, numerous comments expressed gratitude, such as 'Please don't blame the JMA even if the tsunami isn't significant or doesn't come' and 'It's incredibly helpful to have warnings with ample time.' This reflects a renewed recognition of the importance of early information dissemination and evacuation, drawing lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake. There were also posts touching upon the memory of staff members who lost their lives while continuously urging people to evacuate during that time, expressing sadness.

In areas where the tsunami actually arrived, impacts on daily life and transportation emerged, with concerns about ferry cancellations and disruptions to airline flights. On the other hand, warnings were also sounded against underestimating the powerful force of water, even for a tsunami of 'just a few tens of centimeters.' Some voices pointed out that this tsunami was not a 'boy who cried wolf' scenario but a real threat with the potential to cause damage.

This event has served as a renewed catalyst for many people to raise their disaster preparedness awareness. Anxieties relating to personal circumstances were heard, such as 'I can't go home even if a tsunami warning is issued during work' and 'If a real tsunami comes, I won't be able to see my family or pets.' Conversely, voices of relief were also heard, such as 'Seeing news of temporary closures brings a sense of security.' There were also posts indicating a sense of urgency about having overlooked information.

In the Great East Japan Earthquake, areas severely damaged by the tsunami became developed land several years later, demonstrating the long-term impact. Historically, lessons have been passed down to future generations by erecting monuments marking 'how far the tsunami reached' and by orally transmitting warnings. It is hoped that data from the evacuation orders and traffic restrictions during this tsunami event will be utilized for future disaster prevention measures, leading to the construction of a safer society.

The context

Japan is highly susceptible to tsunamis due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The country has a long history of experiencing significant seismic events, making disaster preparedness a critical aspect of daily life and public policy. The most devastating recent event was the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, which caused widespread destruction, over 15,000 deaths, and a nuclear disaster. This event profoundly impacted Japan's disaster response strategies, emphasizing the importance of early warnings, immediate evacuation, and comprehensive long-term recovery efforts.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) plays a crucial role in issuing real-time warnings for earthquakes and tsunamis. Their timely advisories, even for seemingly small tsunamis, are taken seriously by the public due to the understanding that even a few tens of centimeters of fast-moving water can be incredibly powerful and dangerous, capable of sweeping away people and structures. The public's reaction to current warnings, as highlighted in the article, reflects a collective memory of past disasters and a high level of trust in official advisories, prioritizing safety over potential inconvenience.