TOKYO - Tsunami advisories issued along Japan's Pacific coast have now been fully lifted, more than a day after a major earthquake struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. As the situation returned to normal in some areas on July 31st, damage from the tsunami began to surface, including destroyed oyster farming rafts and injuries reported nationwide.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, tsunami advisories were gradually lifted throughout the day and were fully cleared by 4:30 p.m. This marked 32 hours since the advisories were first issued following the massive offshore quake the previous day.
During that period, tsunami waves were confirmed along various coastal areas. A JNN tally found that one person died and six others were injured in tsunami-related incidents.
In Toba, Mie Prefecture, where waves as high as 40 centimeters were recorded, oyster farming rafts were washed away.
"The back-and-forth motion of tsunami waves has a big impact on the rafts," said Daisuke Asao of Uramura Sea Farm. "When ropes with oysters get tangled and are dragged around, the oysters get damaged, and I think the total number of viable oysters will decrease."
In Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, oyster rafts were also flipped over by the waves.
Meanwhile, in Kuji, Iwate Prefecture, some evacuees remained unable to return home.
"I just want to go home as soon as possible," said one evacuee.
Elsewhere, daily life resumed. At Shirarahama Beach in Wakayama Prefecture, swimmers returned to the sea after the swimming ban imposed the previous morning was lifted. Swimming resumed at 11 a.m.
"We all cheered when the ban was lifted," said one beachgoer. "The cool water feels great in this hot summer."
The Meteorological Agency continues to advise caution, noting that even in areas where advisories have been lifted, minor tsunami activity may still be observed. Swimmers and beachgoers are urged to remain vigilant.
Source: TBS
