Tsunami Warning Downgraded to Advisory in Many Parts of Japan; Some Advisories Lifted

Today, tsunami warnings issued across wide areas of the Japanese archipelago have been downgraded to tsunami advisories in many regions, and some advisories have been lifted. However, vigilance is still urged in coastal areas.

At 6:30 PM, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) downgraded tsunami warnings for areas stretching from Ibaraki Prefecture to Wakayama Prefecture to tsunami advisories. Furthermore, at 8:45 PM, tsunami warnings issued for Hokkaido and the Tohoku region were also lowered to tsunami advisories. In Okayama Prefecture, the tsunami advisory was lifted, and local residents expressed relief.

Following the downgrade from warnings to advisories, many evacuees posted messages on social media, such as: "The warning changed to an advisory, and the evacuation order was lifted, so I've returned home," and "I'm back from my friend's house! There's no place like home." Transportation was also affected, with temporary road closures, including around Route 1 Okitsu (Shizuoka Prefecture), being lifted after the downgrade to an advisory and safety checks.

On the other hand, even with the downgrade to an advisory, many continued to urge caution. Comments like "Please stay vigilant," "It reminded me of the fear of living in a coastal town," and "Will they not dock until it's completely lifted?" indicate that a high level of alert still prevails among residents. Indeed, there were reports of concrete effects such as "I think the tsunami came because the river was flowing backward," suggesting that complacency is not advisable even under an advisory.

Furthermore, some voices highlighted challenges related to information dissemination, asking, "I wasn't sure when the warning became an advisory," and "I couldn't find official government information." Others expressed difficulty receiving information, stating, "I couldn't understand what the disaster prevention radio was saying." This situation underscores anew the critical importance of prompt and clear information provision during disasters.

The JMA continues to urge people in areas where tsunami advisories remain in effect to stay away from coasts and river mouths. Residents are re-recognizing the importance of daily disaster preparedness and measures, taking lessons from this experience.

The Context

This article refers to the aftermath of the powerful Noto Peninsula earthquake (能登半島地震) which struck Ishikawa Prefecture on January 1, 2024, at around 4:10 PM JST. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.6, triggered major tsunami warnings for a significant portion of Japan's west coast, leading to widespread evacuations. Tsunami warnings indicate a higher threat of destructive waves, while tsunami advisories suggest the possibility of strong currents or small waves. The downgrading or lifting of these alerts signals a reduction in immediate danger, allowing evacuees to return home, but continued caution is often advised due to the lingering potential for smaller waves or strong currents. This particular event highlighted challenges in real-time information dissemination and reception, a common issue during large-scale natural disasters.