00:22Japan is warning of something far more dangerous
00:25A growing risk of earthquakes at magnitude 8.0 or stronger
00:30The alert comes after a powerful 7.7 magnitude quake struck off Japan's northern coast
00:36Shaking buildings hundreds of kilometers away, including in Tokyo
00:40In the immediate aftermath, tsunami waves hit coastal areas
00:44And evacuation advisories were issued for more than 180,000 people
00:49But the biggest concern now isn't the initial quake
00:52It's the possibility of something even bigger
00:54The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a rare advisory
00:58Stating that the likelihood of another major earthquake is now higher than during normal times
01:04Officials stress this is not a prediction
01:06But they are urging people to prepare
01:08Because the coming hours and days could be critical
01:11The quake struck near Iwate Prefecture
01:13A region along Japan's seismically active northeastern coast
01:17Tsunami warnings were initially issued across a wide stretch of the Pacific coastline
01:22Including parts of Hokkaido and Fukushima
01:25Before being downgraded and later lifted
01:28So far there are no reports of major damage or casualties
01:32But experts warn that aftershocks could hit within the next 48 to 72 hours
01:37And some could be stronger than the first
01:39Japan is no stranger to earthquakes
01:42It sits along the volatile Pacific ring of fire where multiple tectonic plates collide
01:47The country experiences around 1,500 earthquakes every year
01:52Nearly 18% of the world's total
01:54Most are minor, but some leave a lasting scar
01:58The memory of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami still looms large
02:03That disaster triggered a massive tsunami and a nuclear meltdown
02:07Killing or leaving missing more than 18,000 people
02:10Now scientists are again watching the Nankai Trough
02:13A massive undersea fault line where a future megaquake could cause catastrophic damage
02:19Government estimates suggest such an event could claim hundreds of thousands of lives
02:24And cause trillions of dollars in losses
02:26For now Japan remains on edge
02:29Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to review evacuation plans
02:33Secure emergency supplies
02:35And stay updated with official alerts
02:38Because while the probability of a massive quake remains low
02:41The risk is higher than usual
02:43And in Japan, that is warning enough
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