Japan's earthquake sparks megaquake warnings

Japan’s weather agency has warned that another large-scale megaquake could follow the 7.6 magnitude tremor that hit the country on Monday December 8,2025.

As reported by the Independent, the earthquake in Aomori has left more than 30 people injured and led to tsunami warnings ahead.

Japan issued its first high-level warnings, as a “megaquake” could follow the previous 7.6-magnitude offshore tremor.

The Japanese government is asking those in earthquake-affected areas to be on high alert, as a potential 'megaquake' could kill 300,000 and halve GDP.

As the worst-case scenario projections show, a potential magnitude-9 earthquake would trigger massive tsunamis and cause hundreds of buildings to collapse.

The Japan Meteorological Agency JMA cautioned that the coming days would be critical for coastal regions facing an elevated risk of aftershocks.

The mega warning covers approximately 800 miles (1300 km), stretching from Japan’s northeastern coast from Chiba, east of Tokyo, to Hokkaido.

Tsukasa Morikubo, a Cabinet member, said in a press conference after the earthquake, “A megaquake could strike along the Japan Trench and the Kuril Trench off Hokkaido.”

Tuesday’s notice marks its first activation of a top-tier alert since the system was introduced in 2022.

The Japan Meteorological Agency JMA issued its first special advisory officially named as “Off the coast of Hokkaido and Sanriku subsequent earthquake advisory.”

All previous tsunami alerts have been lifted, but authorities warned that the megaquake would revive the threat of large and devastating tsunamis along Japan’s Pacific coasts.

“It is unclear whether a large-scale earthquake will occur. But everyone should heed the call to take precautions to protect their own lives,” said Tsukasa.

The government advises people to be on alert for more quakes for about a week and remain vigilant to prepare evacuation plans if needed.

Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi urged members of the public to prepare for the worst, “Please take appropriate disaster-prevention measures based on the principle that you are responsible for protecting your own life.”