Japan Issues Megaquake Advisory After 7.7 Magnitude Quake

Japan issued a special advisory warning of an increased risk of earthquakes at magnitude 8.0 or stronger, following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake off northern Iwate prefecture. The Japan===Japan Meteorological Agency stated that the likelihood of a new, huge earthquake is higher than normal, prompting non-compulsory evacuation directives for over 182,000 residents. While no serious injuries or significant damage were immediately reported, aftershocks are expected, and tsunami warnings were initially issued and later downgraded. Japan, located on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', is highly seismically active, experiencing around 1,500 jolts annually. The country remains vigilant due to the memory of the 2011 9.0-magnitude quake and tsunami that caused the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant meltdown, and ongoing concerns about a potential 'megaquake' along the Nankai Trough, which could cause catastrophic damage and loss of life.