A tsunami warning was issued after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck the remote island of Izu Islands in Japan, at a depth of 10 kilometres, on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. According to an NHK report, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the Izu Islands and the Ogasawara Islands.
However, people told NHK that they didn’t feel the earthquake.
Tsunamis of up to 1 metre were expected to arrive around 9 am in the Ogasawara Islands, and Izu Islands. Due to this, residents were advised to stay away from coasts and the mouths of rivers.
The Japan Coast Guard has issued a warning to ships navigating the area. According to NHK. It also urged people to stay updated with the latest information from the Metrological Agency.
Police were also patrolling where the tsunami advisories were issued near the coast and asked people to be on alert.
According to AFP, Japan sits on top of four major tectonic plates and experiences roughly 1,500 earthquakes annually, most of which are minor. Even during larger tremors, the impact is generally contained due to advanced building techniques and well-rehearsed emergency procedures.
There are several advisories given to people to prepare for emergencies like earthquakes. As per The Japan Times, it is advised to exit all buildings whether it is homes, schools or offices. Residents are advised to prepare an earthquake kit which includes nonperishable food, and water, and it is advised to check the expiration date every year.
Since earthquakes cannot be predicted, it is advised to secure furniture such as cabinets, bookshelves and large electronics such as microwaves, and refrigerators that could fall over, while people in the house are trying to exit the building, and can also create a barrier.
There are also earthquake alert apps, which can give people a few seconds of advance notice, as per The Japan Times.