Following a strong earthquake in Russia, Japan experienced tsunamis from Hokkaido to Okinawa on Wednesday (July 30). The largest waves were observed in Kuji Port, Iwate Prefecture, reaching 1.3 meters. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued tsunami warnings for many coastal areas along the Pacific and urged people to evacuate to higher ground.
Currently, the wave heights observed on the east coast of Japan are much lower than the initial forecast of 3 meters, but the situation may change.
According to data compiled by NHK from the Japan Meteorological Agency, as of 2:58 PM local time, a 60cm tsunami was observed in Hamacho, Hokkaido, while towns such as Kinchocho, Hiroocho, and Tokachi Port in Hokkaido, Hachinohe Port in Aomori Prefecture, Ishinomaki Port in Miyagi Prefecture, Soma Port in Fukushima Prefecture, and Hachijojima all experienced waves of around 50cm. Further south, ports in Oarai, Ibaraki Prefecture, and Minamihama, Fukushima, observed 40cm tsunamis, and Yokohama Port recorded 30cm waves.
The tsunami also disrupted transportation. According to CNN, Sendai International Airport north of Tokyo closed its runway, and ferry services between Hokkaido, Aomori, and Tokyo Bay were suspended.
Tokyo Electric Power Company stated that all personnel at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant were moved to higher ground, with no injuries reported and no facility abnormalities detected.
The Japan Meteorological Agency continues to urge people to evacuate promptly and avoid staying near the coast or ports.
Authorities advise: “Please remind each other to evacuate and head to higher ground if possible. If there is no high ground nearby, go to the upper floors of sturdy buildings, or move away from coastal areas.”
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that the strongest peak waves may not have arrived in some areas, meaning the actual tsunamis reaching the shore could be higher than observed, with the largest waves possibly appearing several hours later, so vigilance must be maintained.
A spokesperson for the meteorological agency said, “If the tsunami coincides with high tide, the water level could be higher than now, so we ask everyone to remain vigilant.”
Authorities urge residents in affected areas not to leave evacuation sites until the tsunami warning or advisory is lifted.