Japan Ends Earthquake Advisory After 7.7 Magnitude Quake

Japan lifted its special earthquake advisory after a 7.7-magnitude quake struck the Pacific waters off northern Iwate Prefecture on April 20 at 5:00 PM (0800 GMT). The tremor was felt in Tokyo, approximately 500 kilometers away, and prompted a tsunami alert issued a few hours prior.

Kota Iwamura, an official from the Cabinet Office responsible for disaster prevention, stated that while the advisory was lifted, the possibility of a major earthquake has not disappeared, as significant quakes can occur suddenly without prior tremors. Japan is situated on the world's most seismically active region, sitting atop four major tectonic plates along the western edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The country experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually, accounting for 18 percent of the world's seismic activity, with most being mild. The recent earthquake resulted in injuries to at least 10 individuals, including two with serious injuries, according to the Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

This event recalls the devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake in 2011 that triggered a tsunami, leading to approximately 18,500 deaths and a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant.