Small tsunami hits Japanese Islands after 5.9 magnitude earthquake in Pacific

A small tsunami was triggered after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck an unpopulated island in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, according to Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA). The quake generated waves of 50 cm (1.6 feet) that hit Hachijo Island, part of the Izu Islands, approximately 40 minutes after the tremor.

Smaller tsunami waves were detected on three other islands – Kozushima, Miyakejima, and Izu Oshima. Fortunately, no casualties or damages have been reported so far. The JMA issued further warnings of a potential 1-meter (3.3 feet) tsunami for both the Izu and Ogasawara islands.

The affected island chain is home to roughly 21,500 people, with about 2,500 residents on the Ogasawara Islands. Many locals reported not feeling the quake, though authorities have maintained their alerts as a precaution.

Japan, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences over 1,500 earthquakes annually, making it one of the most earthquake-prone countries globally. Advanced building techniques and practiced emergency measures typically contain damage from such events. However, experts caution that a massive 8-9 magnitude earthquake could strike within the next 30 years, potentially endangering 300,000 lives along Japan’s Pacific coast.