A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the Pacific coast of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan on Sunday morning, shaking a region still recovering from a much larger tremor earlier this month. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the quake occurred at 10:29 a.m. local time (4:29 a.m. EAT) at a depth of approximately 50 kilometers.

This latest tremor comes as a stark reminder of the seismic risks facing the nation. It follows a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake on December 8 that injured at least 47 people, damaged nearly 1,400 buildings, and triggered tsunami waves along the coast. While a week-long special advisory for another major quake was lifted on December 15, JMA officials have continued to urge the public to remain vigilant.

No Tsunami, No Immediate Damage

Sunday's quake registered a 4 on Japan's seismic intensity scale of 7, with shaking felt in the city of Hachinohe and surrounding areas, as well as parts of neighboring Iwate Prefecture. Authorities immediately confirmed that no tsunami advisory was issued, and initial reports indicated no significant damage or injuries.

For Kenyans with ties to Japan, such events are a cause for concern, highlighting the geological volatility of the archipelago, a key global economic partner. Japan is a significant source of development aid and investment in Kenya, particularly in the infrastructure and automotive sectors.

A Region on Alert

The December 8 quake caused considerable disruption, including power outages for thousands, suspension of Shinkansen bullet train services, and the evacuation of over 90,000 people. That event prompted the JMA to issue its first-ever subsequent quake advisory, warning that the probability of another large-scale earthquake was higher than usual.

While that specific alert has been lifted, the memory of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, a devastating 9.0-magnitude event that caused a catastrophic tsunami, remains deeply ingrained in the national consciousness. Officials continue to stress the importance of preparedness.

As seismologists monitor aftershock activity, residents in northern Japan are left to hope for a period of calm after a tense and seismically active December.