Japan showcased its warning system during the earthquake in Russia

• Japan quickly responds to the threat of tsunamis following the earthquake in Russia.
• A two-million-strong evacuation took place in 220 municipalities.
• Japan's warning system is considered one of the most advanced in the world.

This is reported by El País, The Yomiuri Shimbun.

On July 31, 2025, a powerful earthquake occurred in the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, with a magnitude of 8.8, which reminded many of the catastrophic consequences of the earthquake in Japan in 2011. Although in Japan the post-earthquake response was more immediate, the country quickly reacted to the potential threat of tsunamis. The Japanese meteorological agency issued the first tsunami warning just 12 minutes after the earthquake, raising the warning level to the second highest within an hour.

Thanks to the advanced warning system, which has more than 1,000 seismic stations, Japan can quickly detect the first seismic waves and predict the arrival of the largest waves. If the system detects a possibility of strong waves in populated areas, it issues warnings that are broadcast via television, radio, and mobile applications.

At the moment of the earthquake, nearly two million people received notices for evacuation from 220 municipalities along the Tikhookeanskoye coast. The Japanese seismic scale (Shindo) has seven levels, but even in five locations in Hokkaido, which were closer to the epicenter, the maximum level recorded was only two, indicating minimal shaking.

In addition, Japanese society emphasizes the importance of knowing evacuation plans and regular drills. For example, on February 1, the largest drills in memory of the 1923 Kanto earthquake are held.

The government has urged citizens not to neglect safety measures, especially during tsunami warnings with waves less than one meter. Although there were no serious incidents in Japan, one woman died after being hit by a car while evacuating.

Tags: Russia/Weather