After the devastating impact of Super Typhoon Uwan, many Filipinos are now anxious about the potential for a tsunami sparked by a recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Japan. Northern Luzon continues to recover from the storm’s strong winds and torrential rain.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the earthquake struck near Iwate Prefecture at 5:03 PM on Sunday.
“The earthquake recorded a magnitude of 6.9 and generated tsunami waves of about 20 centimeters, reaching the ports of Ofunato and Kuji,”
the agency reported. It advised residents in nearby areas to stay alert, warning that stronger aftershocks and larger tsunamis could still occur in the coming days.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or significant structural damage. The JMA continues to monitor the region for possible aftershocks. Residents of Iwate Prefecture remain on heightened alert following the agency’s safety warnings.
The situation has revived memories of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, which affected Japan and triggered alerts across the Pacific, including the Philippines. Meanwhile, Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong) made landfall over La Union early Monday morning, adding more strain to local communities already coping with severe weather conditions.
Japan’s recent earthquake heightens anxiety in the Philippines, where recovery from Typhoon Uwan continues, reminding both nations of nature’s recurring power and unpredictability.